THE FIFTH CONTINENT, WITH THE ADJACENT ISLANDS; BEING AN ACCOUNT OF AUSTRALIA, TASMANIA, AND NEW GUINEA, With Statistical Information to the Latest Date. BY CHARLES H. EDEN, Author of "My Wife and I in Queensland," "The Fortunes of the Fletchers," WITH MAP. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE COMMITTEE OF GENERAL LITERATURE AND EDUCATION, APPOINTED BY THE SOCIETY FOR FROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. PREFACE. In the following pages I have endeavoured to give a brief history of each of our Australian colonies, bringing all the information concerning them, that space would permit me to insert, down to the latest date. In accomplishing this, my work has been lightened by the courtesy of the Agents-General for the several colonies, who have shown great kindness in supplying me with material that otherwise would have been most difficult of access. After the section relating to South Australia had gone to press, I heard the sad news of Mr. Francis S. Dutton's death; and must express my sympathy with the colonists he so ably represented, who have in him lost both an admirable servant, and an amiable and accomplished gentleman. To the excellent "Australian Handbook," published by Messrs. Gordon and Gotch, I am indebted for much useful statistical and other information. I must also acknowledge the kindness with which the Rev. Joseph Mullens, D.D., Foreign Secretary of the London Missionary Society, met my request for the latest information regarding New Guinea. C. H. E. CONTENTS. The Six Colonies-Physical Aspect-The River System-The Murray-Absence of Lakes-The Coast Line-Its Con- PAGE Large Number of Tribes-Ignorance of the Blacks-Their Personal Appearance and Adornments-Weapons-Food -A "Corrobbory"-Disposal of the Dead-Brutal Treat- ment of the Women-Absence of all Religious Feeling- |