de
acquainted with the natural features, civil divisions, and present state
of the British Australian colonies,--especially of the oldest and most
important of them, called New South Wales. Were we not already informed
of the sad reality of things, we might be tempted to indulge in the
daydreams of an explorer, and to join in the bright and hopeful visions
of a most pleasing writer, respecting the blessings to arise out of a
change of any district from wild bush to civilized colony. But dreams of
this nature are little better than vanity, and so our explorer himself
tells us at the end of his narrative:--"Whilst I stretched my weary
length," says Captain Grey, "along, under the pleasant shade, I saw in
fancy busy crowds throng the scenes I was then amongst. I pictured to
myself the bleating sheep and lowing herds wandering over these fertile
hills; and I chose the very spot on which my house should stand,
surrounded with as fine an amphitheatre of verdant land as the eye of
man had ever gazed on. The view was backed by the Victoria Range, whilst
seaward you looked out through a romantic glen upon the great Indian
ocean. I knew that within four or five years civilization would have
followed my tracks, and that rude nature and the savage would no longer
reign supreme over so fine a territory. Mr. Smith entered eagerly into
my thoughts and views; together we built these castles in the air,
trusting we should see happy results spring from our present sufferings
and labours,--but within a few weeks from this day he died in the wilds
he was exploring."[130] So little are the brilliant hopes inspired by
discovery to be depended upon, nor less uncertain are the expectations
which the colonization of a district awakens in our hearts. We cannot
but look for good results, yet frequently are we doomed to
disappointment.

[130] See Grey's Travels in Western Australia, vol. ii. pp. 29, 30.
For the particulars of Mr. Smith's death, see page 27.

However, the assurance of the superintendence of Divine Providence may
check all misgivings; and under this wholesome persuasion we may proceed
to consider the present condition of that country, which has been
recently settled and civilized on the eastern coast of New Holland,
and which is known by the name of New South Wales. It is manifestly
impossible, in describing a territory like this, continually increasing
and enlarging itself, whilst at the same time much of the country
already