Bendigo, April 25th, 1854.

We arrived here nearly a week ago, and have been detained by unluckily stumbling on the races; and as we wanted to dispose by auction of a number of heavy things that we left here, so that we might go on our survey of the remaining diggings lightly, we have been compelled to wait; for, of course, no business is to be done while the races last, which continue three days. We have pitched our tent in our old place in the bush, below the diggings, but unfortunately the race-course is only a quarter of a mile from us, and we hear too much of the noise.

Two young gentlemen—real gentlemen,—who had sunk a deal of gold on the diggings, instead of raising it, contracted to make this course, by clearing the trees away and drawing them to each side. The ground was perfectly level and good, and made an excellent course. I believe they cleared 70l. by their contract. But unluckily, they entered into another speculation. They procured a license for a coffee-shop and eating-house on the course, for the term of the races, and so managed to lose all the money again. They had an unbounded stock of energy, and were quite in their element in making the course; but they were gentlemen and not publicans, and, therefore, were totally out of their element in drawing and entertaining customers of the prevailing class.