understand what possible reason can lead British subjects to
select it above the favored country of which we are treating.

While we were discussing the economical and political condition of the
colonies with a government official at Sydney, he took occasion to
express regret at the large debt of the colonies. We are glad to know,
however, that these debts of the several divisions of Australia and New
Zealand do not represent the cost of useless wars or expenditures for
vain glory; on the contrary, the money has been invested in railroads
and other necessary and substantial improvements, which form an ample
security or mortgage for the same, and which is yearly increasing in
value. Probably some of these enterprises have been premature, but their
ultimate value is beyond all doubt.

Australia is divided into five provincial governments,--New South Wales,
Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and West Australia. The island of
Tasmania forms another province, and is separated from Victoria by Bass
Strait, the two being within half a day's sail of each other. Sydney is
the capital of New South Wales; Melbourne, of Victoria; Adelaide, of
South Australia; Brisbane, of Queensland; Perth, of West Australia; and
Hobart, of Tasmania. It may be remarked incidentally that South
Australia might more properly be designated by some other title, as it
is not South Australia at all. Victoria lies south of it, and so does a
large portion of West Australia. The governments of these several
divisions are modelled upon that of New South Wales, the parent colony
of them all.

Though we are by no means attempting to write a history or make a
geography of these great southlands, still an enumeration of certain
important facts is not inappropriate, and will serve to make matters
more clear to the general reader as he accompanies us through the
following pages.

We have said that the several governments of these colonies are modelled
upon that of New South Wales, which has a constitution and two Houses of
Parliament. The first, or Legislative Council, is composed of a limited
number of members nominated by the Crown, and who hold office for life;
the second, or Legislative Assembly, is composed of members elected from
the various constituencies, who are chosen by ballot. All acts before
becoming law must receive the approval of the Queen of England, though
this is said to be practically a mere form. There is a resident Governor
in each co