SIX MONTHS IN THE BUSH.

Otago Witness, Issue 1916, 10 August 1888, Page 17

SIX MONTHS IN THE BUSH.

AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE.

A man named Alfred Rouse, who appears to hftve a disinclination to support his wife and family, was at large at Mount Grey, Canterbury, about six months ago, and when found was returned to his home at Rangiora. This he immediately forsook, and he has been entirely lost sight of until Friday last, when he waa found by some men working for Mr W. O. Nicholl.", Haylandß station. A lire he had lib was noticed first, and thinking it might be the escaped prisoner Roberts, Mr T. White end his son went to the spot, where Rouse was found curled up in the embers of tho fire. The Christcburch Press gives the following particulars of the affair : —

When found Rousr. was dressed in acorn sack, which covered his body, a shirt, and part of tho sack which covered his loins. His trousers were gone and the soles of his boots were quite out. Hia hair, beard, and naite had grown till he was hardly recognisable, and his face was nearly black with dirt. Steps were taken to provide RouEe with clothing and food, which Litter ho ate voraciously. lie stated that during the time of hi-, outdoor life he had lain among the scrnb, among the lawyers in the bush, that bis chief food was woodhens, of which he caught plenty on the flit, feornetimes five a day, bat that since he had taken to ffte hills, through fear of being seen, he had only had one or two in the last fortnight. Thus he was, when found, on the verge of starvation. He had maintained warmth bj lighting firo3 very late at night, and after they had spread along the ground ho lay down on the heated soil to enjoy .its warmth. This accounted for the several barns on his'lfg.-, pj.'c.'--, end arms. He was altogether iv a very <l>-jilorable state. The only implement he ha-i was a pocket knife, and the number of his nmtches was reduced to