THE MUSTER OF THE TROOPS. 1 89 phenomenal sight, the verandahs of the different buildings being packed with people, the walls half-covered, and the ground thronged with soldiers and civilians, the bright uniforms of tiie former contrasting with the tasteful costumes of the ladies who came to do them honour. A calm spirit dwelt over the scene, and all excitement was subdued until noon. Previous to that hour the men were formed into squads, and examined by Adjutant Bartlett and his subalterns, with a view to ascertain that each had his accoutrements and was prepared to proceed to the point of embarkation. They were afterwards dismissed. It would be difficult to realize a more orderly set of men being got together than were these men the colony was sending forth to the field. They fraternized with the visitors and chatted sociably with their comrades, and seemed as light-hearted as though they were entering upon an Easter encampment.

Suddenly the rattle of drums was heard, and the regular tramp of men accustomed to shoulder the rifle fell on the ear, and the sounds set the first great wave of excitement in motion, for it announced the period of the real business of the day. They came from the detachments from her Majesty's ships of war in the harbour, and as the gates were thrown wide open a body of pioneers marched in, heading 550 blue-jackets, marine artillery, and marine infantry. The band played one of the liveliest marches, and the men trooped in, and by their bearing, their physique, and the smartness of their dress, at once challenged and won general admiration. The detachments had in their charge two Gardner guns, two field-guns, and two Catlings, and they made a stirring rattle as they quickly rolled these into their assigned positions.

It fell to the lot of the squads in charge of the guns to clear a square in which the New South Wales troops might form into line, and much amusement was created by the impetuous sweep they gave the terrible instruments they were attached to. Another exciting sensation occurred when the newly-formed cavalry corps entered the square. Of this there were fifty members present, and they were under the command of Captain Macdonald. They rode splendid animals, and imparted an agreeable variety to the scene.