t pay more for his food and clothing. An honest day's work is the
true criterion of value; and so far as that is curtailed just so much
more must it cost for family support, and just so much poorer shall we
all be, both capitalist and laborer.

One sees no special signs of poverty in the streets of Melbourne, as we
have already intimated; but there may be, and to a certain extent we
know that there is, squalor existing, though it does not make itself
visible in the public thoroughfares. There are "back slums" that do not
by their appearance invite one to penetrate them, and which would best
be avoided at night; but these are the concomitants of all large and
promiscuous gatherings of humanity. Though the city is well situated for
drainage, there seems to be at present only a very defective mode
adopted, mostly dependent upon surface flow to clear the daily
accumulation of debris. We were told, however, that this objection was
fast being remedied, and that there already exists a partial system of
drainage which has been applied to the most important sections of the
town.

The heavy clouds of fuliginous coal-smoke which envelop Melbourne are
caused by the steam-launches, ferry-boats, coasting and ocean-going
steamers, and manufactories, all which create their motive-power with
Sydney bituminous coal,--a good steam-producing article, but which
covers everything in its neighborhood with a fine black dust, the
formidable enemy of clean faces and white linen. The smoke and dust
nevertheless are significant of life and energy. They indicate that
business is active, that the channels of trade are not blocked; and
therefore they are cheerfully submitted to. "Dirt," said a certain
shrewd philosopher, "is not dirt; it is something in the wrong place."

The finest site near the city has been selected for the residence of
Vice-royalty; so that quite a prominent feature of the suburbs is the
Government House, which is situated about a mile from the city proper,
and is an imposing but ugly-looking building. It has a central tower
twenty-five feet square more or less, and of considerable height. It is
pleasanter to say a good word concerning any object than a harsh one;
but the Government House in Melbourne is irredeemable ugly, though it
must have cost a mint of money. This immense edifice is only half
improved on the inside, being large enough for a European royal
residence requiring accommodations for a large number of retainers;