respondence with the office at Sydney, which amounted annually to
about 2000 letters, none remained unanswered; and my last cares were to
leave, in the hands of an engraver, a map of the colony, that the past
labours of the department might be permanently secured to the public,
whatever might be our fate in the interior.

DEPARTURE FROM SYDNEY.

Little time remained for me to look at the sextants, theodolite, and
other instruments necessary for the exploratory journey; I collected in
haste a few articles of personal equipment, and having as well as I
could, under the circumstances, set my house in order, I bade adieu to my
family, and left Sydney at noon, on Thursday, the 24th day of November,
1831, being accompanied for some miles by my friend Colonel Snodgrass.

It was not until then, that my mind was sufficiently relieved from
considering the details of my department, to enable me to direct my
thoughts to the undiscovered country. I had yet to traverse 300 miles,
for to that distance from Sydney the flocks of the colonists extended,
before I could reach the vast untrodden soil, the exploration of which
was the object of my mission. I felt the ardour of my early youth, when I
first sought distinction in the crowded camp and battlefield, revive, as
I gave loose to my reflections and considered the nature of the
enterprise. But, in comparing the feelings I then experienced with those
which excited my youthful ambition, it seemed that even war and victory,
with all their glory, were far less alluring than the pursuit of
researches such as these; the objects of which were to spread the light
of civilisation over a portion of the globe yet unknown, though rich,
perhaps, in the luxuriance of uncultivated nature, and where science
might accomplish new and unthought-of discoveries; while intelligent man
would find a region teeming with useful vegetation, abounding with
rivers, hills, and valleys, and waiting only for his enterprising spirit
and improving hand to turn to account the native bounty of the soil.

A GARDEN.

My first day's journey, terminated near Parramatta, at the residence of
Mr. John Macarthur. I was received by that gentleman with his usual
hospitality, and although not in the enjoyment of the best health, he
insisted on accompanying me over his extensive and beautiful garden,
where he pointed out to my attention, the first olive-tree ever planted
in Australia. Here I also saw the cork-tree in full luxuri