emed to be in the least
incommoded. The fruiterers' stands here and there, as well as the
windows of the dealers in the same products, presented an array
remarkable for its tempting variety. Among these fruits are the mandarin
and navel oranges, apricots, figs, grapes, passion-fruit, pineapples,
bananas, peaches, plums, and several other sorts, all in fine condition.
With the exception of San Francisco, nowhere else can fruit of such
choice character be found in so great variety and at such cheap rates as
in Melbourne.

While driving in the environs of the city many plots of ground were
observed cultivated by Chinamen, and kept in the neatest possible
manner. As we have already said, John is a natural gardener. In the
first place his knowledge of fertilizing materials suitable for the soil
enables him to produce vegetables not only in abundance, but of the best
quality. He is independent of markets, going personally to his
customers,--thus making his body serve for both cart and horse, and
accustoming himself to carry heavy burdens daily. By such means he
realizes all the profit there is to be made on his products, not having
to divide with the wholesale dealer or the middle-man. He thus shows
business keenness as well as a capacity to endure great drudgery. So
absorbed is the general attention, in other directions that only John
attends to the raising of vegetables,--thus providing a necessary diet
for those who would otherwise be liable to lose health and strength for
the want of it.

One meets plenty of Jews upon the boulevards of Melbourne, with their
strongly-marked features. There was an abundance of them also in Sydney;
and indeed where are they not to be found, if there is money to be
borrowed or trade to be vigorously pushed?

On the corners of the streets in Melbourne are to be seen a peculiar
class of idlers. The eight-hour system of labor prevails here, and men
hasten from work to the bar-rooms, there being one of these
poison-dispensing resorts at every corner of the business
thoroughfares. We calculated that there were four thousand "gin mills"
in this city, and probably that is an under estimate. The common
laboring classes of this city are not only universal drinkers, but they
are also "hard drinkers." They are as a rule too ignorant or besotted to
see, putting all other things out of the question, that the cup of any
sensual indulgence if drained to the bottom has always poison in its
dregs. They in