, 'you may do
what you like with the map; but you can't twist the world about in that
manner, though they _are_ making sad changes in it.'"--_A Letter from
Sydney; the principal town of Australia. Edited by Robert Gouger_,
1829.]

[Footnote 284: United States Returns, 1791. Population. 3,921,352; revenue,
$4,771 000; exports, $19,000,000; imports, $20,000,000.--_Tomlins' History
of America._]

[Footnote 285: At the close of the first year of our existence as a gold
producing country, the mind naturally pauses and contemplates the past,
the present, and the future--to those who look upon this land as their
home and the scene upon which their children and children's children are
to play their part, the year 1851 will ever be one of deep and solemn
interest; the events have been of the most startling character, and its
results no human intellect can fathom. The first hour of the present
year was ushered in by a brilliant sun which rose above the horizon in
all its majesty, shedding its gladsome rays over a happy and a
prosperous people--every heart was gay--every industrious hand was
employed, and our future prospects were as cheering as the most ardent
mind could have desired. Our great staple was rapidly increasing, and
had even then become an export which commanded the attention of the
British nation. Our tallow was of considerable value--our copper mines
were presenting indications of richness--our pastoral and agricultural
interests were flourishing, and it was evident to all, that we must at
no very distant period become a great and prosperous colony. In fact it
could have been almost impossible to suggest a discovery that could add
to our importance; but before this memorable year had half sped its
course, a colonist returned from San Francisco, impressed with the
similarity that existed between the geological formation of this land
and that in which he had been sojourning, and determined to bring it to
light if possible. No sooner was he on shore than he set boldly out on
his great expedition, notwithstanding the ridicule of his friends, who
promised him disappointment for his reward. What wonderful events have
frequently sprung from simple causes! Our mountains and glens had been
visited by scientific men of several nations, but they had failed to
trace anything beyond mere indications. Such, however, was not the case
with Edward Hammond Hargraves, who, after spending a few weeks in the
bush, announced to his br