stralian League formed--large subscriptions--fire
in Port Phillip--meeting of delegates in New South Wales--proceedings
of conference--the elections--the discovery of gold--effects on
employers--League assailed by the convict party--delegates visit
Adelaide--League adopted at New Zealand--people return opponents of
transportation--conduct of emancipists--not one supporter of
transportation returned--resolutions of the Legislative Councils of
New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Van Diemen's Land.

* * * * *

ZOOLOGY.

SECTION I. p. 321. Mammalia.--SECTION II. p. 328. Birds.--SECTION III.
p. 332. Fishes.--SECTION IV. p. 333. Reptiles.--SECTION V. p. 335.
Insects.--SECTION VI. p. 335.--Mollusca.

HISTORY OF TASMANIA.

* * * * *

DISCOVERY, &c.

DISCOVERY, &c.

SECTION I.

Nearly fifty years have elapsed, since Van Diemen's Land was numbered
with the colonies of the British empire. A generation has risen up and
is passing away. Thousands, while they venerate the land of their
European ancestors, with an amiable fondness love Tasmania as their
native country. They will, hereafter, guide its affairs, extend its
commerce, and defend its soil; and, not inferior in virtue and
intelligence, they will fill an important position in the vast system of
Australasia.

To gratify their curiosity, and offer to their view the instructive and
inspiriting events of the past, is the purpose of this history.

The difficulty of the task can be appreciated only by experience. To
collect from scattered records, facts worthy of remembrance; to separate
reality from romance; to remove partial coloring from statements made
long ago; and to exhibit useful truth without disguise and without
offence, required much research and deliberation.

It is not the intention of this history to relate every event which,
when passing, may have been deemed momentous; much less to recal from
obscurity the errors, absurdity, and wickedness which exercised no
distinct influence on the common welfare. The author has endeavoured to
realize the feelings and sympathies of the benevolent and just of
another age, and to confine his pen to details which may maintain their
interest, when the passions with which they were associated shall
subside for ever.

In calling this work THE HISTORY OF TASMANIA, a designation is chosen
generally preferred by the colonists, and which their succ