PREFACE. I WOULD fain deprecate the censure of severe critics, which the superficial character of the following pages might otherwise call forth, by a few words of explanation as to my motives and objects in publishing them. Knowing that very many persons at "Home" are deeply interested in these distant Colonies, as being the residence of dear friends and relatives, and that, as in the case of my own home-connexions, they really understand very little of the general aspect of things here, I believed that a few simple sketches from nature, however devoid of scientific lore, would be a welcome addition to the present small fund of information on common every-day topics relating to these antipodean climes; and of such belief, this little work is the result. My aim has been simply to give my own impressions of whatever appeared worthy observation. I cannot for a moment flatter myself with the idea of conveying information to those skilled in scientific detail; my desire was to give true and general descriptions of scenery, people, and the various objects which strike a new-comer as novel or remarkable; just, in fact, as they appeared to myself. I have M317183 sketched every-day things with a faithful and homely pencil; and if the learned find nothing new in my unvarnished narrative, let them not condemn the unambitious attempt to amuse and interest the general, and more especially the young reader. Books of reference I have none, nor can I here obtain the use of any. My own observation, aided by my husband's long experience in these Colonies, is my sole resource; therefore, however defective may be the finish of my picture in detail, the outline is at least original. As it is necessarily impossible that I can correct the press myself, numerous typographical errors are almost unavoidable, and for which I can only entreat the kind indulgence of my readers. Spring Vale, Great Swanport, Van Diemen's Land, December, 1843. Embarkation - Indisposition—Pleasures of a Sea Voyage-Fellow-pas- sengers-Observance of Character-Devonshire Coast-Pilots-Land Bay of Biscay-Spanish Coast-Employment the best preventive of Ennui-Phosphorescence of the Sea-Portuguese Men-of-war-Swal- Calm in the Tropics - Sharks — Turtle Ianthina-Shovel-board- "Crossing the Line"-Loss of the North Star-Southern Constellations Whales and "Jets d'eau"-Birds-Boatswain-Boobies-Cape Pigeon- Mischief of Idleness-" Mr.Winkles" at Sea-Great Albatross-Nelly -Stormy Petrel-Blue Petrel-Sailors' Delicacies-Stormy Weather 23 Island of St. Paul's-Islands in Bass's Straits-Mutton-birds-Botany Bay Heads-General excitement-Heads of Port Jackson-Scenery— New Zealanders-First sight of Sydney-Pull ashore-Comforts of Sydney Market-Fish, &c.-Dust, Flies, Mosquitoes-Drive to the A "Country Inn”—Breakfast-Contrasts—A Bush Ramble and Digres- sion about Ants-Mountain Scenery-Cattle Skeletons-"Weather- board" Inn-Supper and Night at "Blind Paddy's"-Mountains, and the Surveyor's Roads-Mount Victoria-Convict Gangs and Bush- rangers-Inn at the "Rivulet," and its Inhabitants-The Ruling Vice 66 “Hassan's Walls”—Grass Trees-Mount Lambey-Victoria Inn-Speci- men of Benevolent Politeness-Colonial Bridges-First View of Bathurst The "Settlement"-Dearth-Climate-Hot Winds-Pro- cessions of Whirlwinds-Hurricanes Bathurst Society and Hospitality-" White Rock"-Native Dance and Ceremony-Kangaroo Dance-Appearance of Natives-Children— "Gins "-Their marriage, slavery, and sufferings-Family Dinner- party-Adopted Children-Infanticide-Religion — "Devil-Devil"- Language-Story of Hougong and Jimmy-"Ay, ay ?”—Duties of the Toilet-Native Songs-Mimicry-Fondness for English Dress-- Native Huts-" Gunyon"-Natives' ingenuity in Duck-Snaring and Fishing-Native Weapons-Green Frogs-Freshwater Shells-Platy- pus Spur-winged Plover-Australian Harebell Everlastings-Peppermint Tree-Opossums-Natives' mode of taking |