there have been occasions when, after long rest as a hulk lying in some land-locked cove, with little of its past history except the name left in people’s memories, that once again the old ship has been brought forth, staunch as ever, to perform, it is hoped, faithful service on the outer seas.

something of this kind has happened in the case of “steve brown’s bunyip.” the book has been so long out of print as to perhaps render any apology for its re-appearance needless. all the more so, as from many quarters through the years that have elapsed since its retirement, there have been frequent and kindly enquiries after its welfare. also, numerous requests have reached the author that the book might again be allowed to test the weather of popular opinion, and, if possible, hold its own as it did aforetime.

thus, in a new guise, and in a new land, the old “bunyip,” rejuvenated and embellished, with, so to speak, colours flying and band playing, leaves its long rest at moorings, and once more sets sail in modest confidence that age will not have rendered its timbers less seaworthy, but rather have preserved and toughened them in such wise as may enable the old vessel to successfully compete with the modern craft of her class that have since appeared.

the author.