Chapter I: Preface

In one respect this work differs from its predecessors. The companion volumes were written by travellers to the lands which they described, but AUSTRALIAN PICTURES are by an Australian resident. Hence, when praise is required, the author has often preferred to quote some traveller of repute rather than to state his own impressions. Thanks have to be given to the Government of Victoria, which kindly placed all its works at the disposal of the author. The official history of the aborigines compiled by Mr. Brough Smyth is especially a valuable storehouse of facts for future writers. The proprietors of the _Melbourne Argus_ liberally gave the use of the views and pictures of their illustrated paper, the _Australian Sketcher_, and the offer was gratefully and largely taken advantage of. Mr. R. Wallen, a President of the Art Union of Victoria, gave permission for the reproduction of any of the works of art published by the society during his term of office. Australia is a large place, and it will be seen that, where the author could not refresh his memory by a personal visit, he has here and there availed himself of the willing aid of literary friends.

CONTENTS.

Mount Kosciusko _Frontispiece_
In the Mountains, Fernshaw 5
The Scots' Church, Collins Street, Melbourne 6

SECTION I.--INTRODUCTORY.

CHAPTER I.