Victoria Downs includes accurate weather charts and reports of shows, ribbons and prizes. It features the story of the valuable ram that was doctored with run and egg-nog on the long train trip home with the train guard who also doctored himself. There are also very human stories, for example, about the cook who got gloriously drunk and 'fixed' the whiskey at the wedding reception and had to be locked in her room; the tragic death of a young mother; the excitement of weddings and other family celebrations; the struggle through droughts and elation of rain. It's all there: the joys and trials of living in the outback.