, for there is no lack of
architectural pretension either in the public or private buildings. Like
all of its sister cities in these colonies, Brisbane has an elaborate
Botanical Garden, in which the people take great interest; it certainly
seemed to approach very nearly that of Sydney not only in spaciousness,
but in general excellence,--the climate here favoring even a more
extensive out-door display of tropical and delicate vegetation than can
be obtained farther south. The fine examples of the great india-rubber
tree found here were nearly equal to those we have seen in their native
forests, where the great anaconda-like roots are often as much above as
below the surface.

Contiguous to these grounds and forming a conspicuous object in the
landscape is the Parliament Building, a grand structure of cut-stone
brought from neighboring quarries. This building has been a very
expensive affair, and probably antedates by half a century the absolute
requirements of the colony. Still, one pauses to ask himself if it is
possible that only a few years ago the present site of Brisbane was a
waste of dense jungle, a reeking swamp, a barren hillside. And if it has
accomplished so much in the way of growth and material progress in so
short a time, what may not be hoped for it in the near future?

There are besides the Botanical Gardens three other "reserves," as they
are universally denominated in Australia; namely, Queen's Park, Victoria
Park, and Bowen Park, each laid out in the most liberal spirit and in
anticipation of a population which the city will undoubtedly realize
within a few years from the present time. The ample water-supply of the
town has also been partially anticipatory; but what an immense advantage
it is to Brisbane! The sparkling liquid is brought by an excellent
system of pipes from the hills near Enaggera Creek, seven miles distant
from the city. Here a large reservoir has been created by throwing a dam
across a narrow part of a deep gully, and thus a large body of water
securely preserved. This water is both palatable and wholesome. An
intelligent spirit of enterprise is evinced by the citizens, and
everything goes to show that this is destined to be a populous and
prosperous centre. As to the climate, it is simply perfect, the mean
temperature being set down at 69 deg.

Ipswich, about twenty-five miles from the city, on the road to the
Darling Downs, has a population of ten thousand. Gympie, a gold-mining