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 All arrangements having been completed, we left the island in the
evening, with a fine north-east trade breeze.
 CHAPTER II.
Enter the tropics—Flying fish—Luminosity of the ocean—Magnificent
scene—Phosphoric light—Interesting facts in elucidation of that
phenomenon—Albicores and Bonitos—A colossal whale—Sea birds—
Gigantic species of albatross—Description of those birds—Their
manner of flight.

On the 31st of May we lost the north-east trade, in 8° 40′ north,

and longitude 23° west, after which we experienced variable winds
with torrents of rain, until the 4th of June, when we had the south-
east trade in latitude 4° 38′ north, and longitude 22° 49′ west, and
crossed the equator early on the morning of the 7th, in longitude
27° 5′ west, being altogether only thirty-two days from Plymouth,
including our delay at St. Jago.
On entering the tropics many animate objects excite attention,
among others the flying-fish; it is surprising how many different
opinions have been formed on the subject of this fish; some
considering it seeks the air for sport or pastime, whilst others regard
it as only taking flight when pursued, and thus decide its existence
to be a continued series of troubles and persecutions. Between such
opposite opinions, we can only form our judgment from actual
observation, and there is one circumstance without any doubt
resting upon it; that the supposed war of extermination exercised
against them has not diminished their numbers, for they are
observed in as large “flocks” at the present day, as navigators have
related of them former days; they must also have had a long
cessation of hostilities from the time of birth, to enable them to
arrive at maturity. To say that these fish undergo persecution more
than any other living animals of the creation, is absurd, for we may
observe the same principle throughout the whole of the animated
kingdom of nature.
 On arriving in tropical regions, this curious fish is seen, and affords
some variety to the tedium of a ship; the passengers amusing
themselves by watching its flight, and sometimes its “persecution,”
when pursued by bonitos, dolphins, albicores, among the finny, and
tropic birds, boobies, gannets, &c. among the feathered tribe. I have
frequently derived both information and amusement by watching the
flight of these fish; to observe them skim the surface of the water
for a great distance, sometimes before, and at other times against
the direction of the wind, elevating themselves either to a short
height from the surface, or to five or six feet, and then, diverging a
little from their course, drop suddenly into their proper element;
sometimes when their flight was not high above the water, and it
blew fresh, they would meet with an elevated wave, which invariably
buried them beneath it, but they would often again start from it and
renew their flight.
I have never yet been able to see any percussion of the pectoral
fins during flight, although such a high authority as Cuvier says, “the
animal beats the air during the leap, that is, it alternately expands
and closes its pectoral fins;” and Dr. Abel also supports this opinion,
and says that it agrees with his experience; he has repeatedly seen
the motion of the fins during flight, and as flight is only “swimming
in air,” it appears natural that those organs should be used in the
same manner in both elements. But the structure of a fin is not that
of a wing; the pectoral fins or wings of the flying fish are simply
enlarged fins, capable of supporting, perhaps, but not of propelling
the animal in its flight.[12]
In fish, the organ of motion for propelling them through the water
is the tail, and the fins direct their course; in birds, on the contrary,
the wings are the organs of motion, and the tail the rudder. The only
use of the extended pectoral fins in the fish is for the purpose of
supporting the animal in the air, like a parachute, after it has leaped
from the water by some power, which is possessed by fish of much
larger size, even the whale. From the structure of the fin, I cannot
consider it at all calculated for repeated percussions out of the water,
although while in that fluid it continues its natural action uninjured,
as it soon dries when brought into contact with the air, and the
delicacy of the membrane between the rays would very readily
become injured, were the organ similarly exerted in that medium.
The greatest length of time that I have seen these volatile fish on
the fin, has been thirty seconds by the watch, and their longest
flight, mentioned by Captain Hall, has been two hundred yards; but
he thinks that subsequent observation has extended the space. The
most usual height of flight, as seen above the surface of the water,
is from two to three feet; but I have known them come on board at
a height of fourteen feet and upwards; and they have been well-
ascertained to come into the channels of a line of battle ship, which
is considered as high as twenty feet and upwards.[13]
But it must not be supposed they have the power of elevating
themselves in the air, after having left their native element; for on
watching them I have often seen them fall much below the elevation
at which they first rose from the water, but never in any one
instance could I observe them raise themselves from the height at
which they first sprang, for I regard the elevation they take to
depend on the power of the first spring or leap they make on leaving
their native element.
On the 6th of June, in latitude 1° 50′ north, and longitude 25° 14′
west, a flying-fish was brought me by one of the steerage
passengers, which had just “flown” on board over his head, as he
was standing near the fore-part of the ship; being still alive when he
brought it to me, I hastened to place it in a bucket of water, to
ascertain whether it would attempt to spring from it, and “take
flight;” however, I found it was too late, for after floating about with
its long pectoral fins half expanded, as it remained near the surface
of the water, it continued alive for about the space of a minute, and
then died. They usually, from the violence with which they come on
board, receive some injury against the spars, boats, or chains,
sufficient to destroy them; and therefore it will be difficult to observe
their true actions as when performed in full vigour in their native
element. This specimen measured nine inches in length. What
excited my attention in this fish was a species of anatifa attached by
its peduncle to the thorax. I regard as a very unusual circumstance,
the existence of an anatifa attached to a living animal, particularly
one of such rapidity of motion as this fish is usually supposed to be.
The height at which this fish came on board could not have been
less than fourteen feet from the surface of the water, and on the
windward side of the vessel.
The “flight” of these fish has been compared to that of birds, so as
to deceive the observer; however, I cannot perceive any comparison,
one being an elegant, fearless, and independent motion, whilst that
of the fish is hurried, stiff, and awkward, more like a creature
requiring support for a short period, and then its repeated flights are
merely another term for leaps. The fish make a rustling noise, very
audible when they are near the ship, dart forward, or sometimes
take a curve to bring themselves before the wind, and when fatigued
fall suddenly into the water. It is not uncommon to see them, when
pursued, drop exhausted, rise again almost instantly, proceed a little
further, again dipping into the ocean, so continuing for some
distance until they are out of sight, so that we remain in ignorance
whether they have been captured or have eluded pursuit.
The flying-fish swim in shoals, for on one day they are seen rising
about, and in the vicinity of the ship, in great numbers; and on the
day following, or latter part of the same day, only a few stragglers
are seen. When disturbed by the passage of the ship through the
shoal, they rise in numbers near the bows of the ship, and the
consternation seems to spread among those far distant: the same
may be observed when dolphins and albicores are pursuing them.
On passing between the islands of Fuego and St. Jago, (Cape Verd
group,) in December, 1828, I witnessed a number of bonito in
pursuit of flying-fish; the former springing several yards out of the
water, in eager chase, whilst large shoals of the latter arose with an
audible rustling noise before their pursuers, and the chase continued
as far as we could see, a number of victims no doubt being
sacrificed to the voracity of their hunters. Besides the finny enemies,
they had to encounter, as they rose from the water, boobies,
gannets, and tropic birds, which hovered about, and in our view
secured very many as they sought refuge in the air. It was a novel
sight, and one not often witnessed during repeated voyages, and
afforded much amusement and interest to those who beheld it.[14]
Occasionally our attention was excited during the voyage, by the
remarkable luminosity assumed by the ocean in every direction, like
rolling masses of liquid fire, as the waves broke and exhibited an
appearance inconceivably grand and beautiful. The phosphoric light,
given out by the ocean, exists to a more extensive and brilliant
degree in tropical regions, although in high latitudes it is occasionally
visible, more especially during the warm months of the year. The
cause of it has excited much speculation among naturalists; and
although many of the marine molluscous and crustaceous animals,
such as salpa, pyrosoma, cancer, several medusæ have been found
to occasion it, yet no doubt debris, from dead animal matter, with
which sea water is usually loaded, is also often one of the exciting
causes.
As the ship sails with a strong breeze through a luminous sea on a
dark night, the effect produced is then seen to the greatest
advantage. The wake of the vessel is one broad sheet of phosphoric
matter, so brilliant as to cast a dull, pale light over the after-part of
the ship; the foaming surges, as they gracefully curl on each side of
the vessel’s prow, are similar to rolling masses of liquid phosphorus;
whilst in the distance, even to the horizon, it seems an ocean of fire,
and the distant waves breaking, give out a light of an inconceivable
beauty and brilliancy: in the combination, the effect produces
sensations of wonder and awe, and causes a reflection to arise on
the reason of its appearance, as to which as yet no correct judgment
has been formed, the whole being overwhelmed with mere
hypothesis.
Sometimes the luminosity is very visible without any disturbance
of the water, its surface remaining smooth, unruffled even by a
passing zephyr; whilst on other occasions no light is emitted unless
the water is agitated by the winds, or by the passage of some heavy
body through it. Perhaps the beauty of this luminous effect is seen
to the greatest advantage when the ship, lying in a bay or harbour in
tropical climates, the water around has the resemblance of a sea of
milk. An opportunity was afforded me when at Cavité, near Manilla,
in 1830, of witnessing for the first time this beautiful scene: as far as
the eye could reach over the extensive bay of Manilla, the surface of
the tranquil water was one sheet of this dull, pale, phosphorescence;
and brilliant flashes were emitted instantly on any heavy body being
cast into the water, or when fish sprang from it or swam about; the
ship seemed, on looking over its side, to be anchored in a sea of
liquid phosphorus, whilst in the distance the resemblance was that
of an ocean of milk.
The night to which I allude, when this magnificent appearance
presented itself to my observation, was exceedingly dark, which, by
the contrast, gave an increased sublimity to the scene; the canopy
of the heavens was dark and gloomy; not even the glimmering of a
star was to be seen; while the sea of liquid fire cast a deadly pale
light over every part of the vessel, her masts, yards, and hull; the
fish meanwhile sporting about in numbers, varying the scene by the
brilliant flashes they occasioned. It would have formed, I thought at
the time, a sublime and beautiful subject for an artist, like Martin, to
execute with his judgment and pencil, that is, if any artist could give
the true effect of such a scene, on which I must express some
doubts.
It must not be for a moment conceived that the light described as
brilliant, and like to a sea of “liquid fire,” is of the same character as
the flashes produced by the volcano, or by lightning, or meteors. No:
it is the light of phosphorus, as the matter truly is, pale, dull,
approaching to a white or very pale yellow, casting a melancholy
light on objects around, only emitting flashes by collision. To read by
it is possible, but not agreeable; and, on an attempt being made, it
is almost always found that the eyes will not endure the peculiar
light for any length of time, as headaches and sickness are often
occasioned by it. I have frequently observed at Singapore, that,
although the tranquil water exhibits no particular luminosity, yet
when disturbed by the passage of a boat, it gives out phosphoric
matter, leaving a brilliant line in the boat’s wake, and the blades of
the oars when raised from the water seem to be dripping with liquid
phosphorus.
Even between the tropics, the phosphoric light is increased or
diminished in its degree of brilliancy, in a very slight difference of
latitude; on one day it would be seen to a most magnificent extent,
on the next it would be perhaps merely a few luminous flashes. It
might proceed from the shoals of marine animals, that caused the
brilliancy to be less extensively distributed over one part of the
ocean than another. That I am correct in asserting that some of the
animals which occasion the phosphoric light, emitted by the ocean,
do travel in shoals, and are distributed in some latitudes only in a
very limited range, I insert two facts which occurred during this
voyage, and which will no doubt be regarded as interesting.
On the 8th of June, being then in latitude 00° 30′ south, and
longitude 27° 5′ west, having fine weather and a fresh south-
easterly trade wind, and range of the thermometer being from 78°
to 84°, late at night the mate of the watch came and called me to
witness a very unusual appearance in the water, which he, on first
seeing, considered to be breakers. On arriving upon the deck, this
was found to be a very broad and extensive sheet of
phosphorescence, extending in a direction from east to west as far
as the eye could reach; the luminosity was confined to the range of
animals in this shoal, for there was no similar light in any other
direction. I immediately cast the towing net over the stern of the
ship as we approached nearer the luminous streak, to ascertain the
cause of this extraordinary and so limited a phenomenon. The ship
soon cleaved through the brilliant mass, from which, by the
disturbance, strong flashes of light were emitted; and the shoal
(judging from the time the vessel took in passing through the mass)
may have been a mile in breadth: the passage of the vessel through
them, increased the light around to a far stronger degree,
illuminating the ship. On taking in the towing net, it was found half
filled with pyrosoma, (atlanticum?) which shone with a beautiful pale
greenish light, and there was also a few small fish in the net at the
same time; after the mass had been passed through, the light was
still seen astern until it became invisible in the distance, and the
whole of the ocean then became hidden in darkness as before this
took place. The scene was as novel as it was beautiful and
interesting, more so from having ascertained, by capturing the
luminous animals, the cause of the phenomenon.
The second was not exactly similar to the preceding; but, although
also limited, was curious, as occurring in a high latitude during the
winter season. It was on the 19th of August,[15] the weather dark
and gloomy, with light breezes from north-north-east, in latitude 40°
30′ south, and longitude 138° 3′ east, being then distant about
three hundred and sixty-eight miles from King’s Island, (at the
western entrance of Bass’s Straits). It was about eight o’clock, p.m.
when the ship’s wake was perceived to be luminous, and
scintillations of the same light were also abundant around. As this
was unusual and had not been seen before, and it occasionally also
appeared in larger or smaller detached masses giving out a high
degree of brilliancy: to ascertain the cause, so unusual in high
latitudes during the winter season, I threw the towing net
overboard, and in twenty minutes succeeded in capturing several
pyrosoma, giving out their usual pale green light; and it was no
doubt detached groups of these animals, that were the occasion of
the light in question. The beautiful light given out by these
molluscous animals soon subsided, (being seen emitted from every
part of their bodies,) but by moving them about it could be
reproduced for some length of time after. As long as the luminosity
of the ocean was visible, (which continued most part of the night,) a
number of Pyrosoma atlanticum, two species of Phyllosoma, an
animal apparently allied to Leptocephalus, as well as several
crustaceous animals, all of which I had before considered as inter-
tropical species, were caught and preserved. At half-past ten, p.m.
the temperature of the atmosphere on deck was 52°, and that of the
water 51½°. The luminosity of the water gradually decreased during
the night, and towards morning was no longer seen, nor on any
subsequent night.[16]
Albicores,[17] bonitos, and even a colossal whale close under the
stern, beguiled a tedious hour, until we arrived in latitudes where the
various species of albatross, cape petrel, and other oceanic birds
afforded a change from the “finny” to the “feathered” tribe. We lost
the south-east trade on the 13th of June, in about 14° 30′ south,
and long. 32° 14′. west. In lat. 30° 0′ south, and long. 24° 18′ west,
on the 25th of June, cape petrels[18] were first seen, and increased
in numbers as we proceeded, continuing about the ship, in greater
or less numbers, even to Port Jackson; albatrosses were not seen
until we arrived in lat. 36° south, long. 5° 18′ west, when several
species of this bird were often about the vessel.
Besides the sight of flying fish, sharks, dolphins, and other deep-
water fish; cape petrels, albatrosses, and other oceanic birds, serve
to banish the sameness of a sea voyage, and that ennui which lays
its benumbing hand upon those who have but few resources in
themselves, and looking for it in objects around, too often feel
disappointed. It is usually about the 29° of latitude, and 26° of west
longitude, that the gigantic species of albatross is usually first seen,
as well as the smaller but not less elegant species of the same bird.
At first but few are seen, but they increase in numbers as the vessel
gets into more southern latitudes; at some seasons of the year they
appear more numerous than at others, which may be attributed to
the pairing time, which may keep them, at certain seasons, nearer
the rocky islets upon which they breed or rear their young. The large
white or wandering albatross,[19] (Diomedia exulans,) the type of
the genus, excites much interest by its majestic appearance, either
when almost sweeping the sides of the vessel with its huge pinions,
or when beheld a prisoner on the ship’s deck, realizing the idea of
the famed roc (allowing for the brilliant and exaggerated
descriptions usual in all eastern nations) mentioned in the Arabian
Nights’ Entertainments.[20]
 It is pleasing to observe this superb bird sailing in the air in
graceful and elegant movements, seemingly excited by some
invisible power, for there is rarely any movement of the wings seen,
after the first and frequent impulses given, when the creature
elevates itself in the air; rising and falling as if some concealed
power guided its various motions, without any muscular exertion of
its own; and then descending sweeps the air close to the stern of
the ship, with an independence of manner, as if it were “monarch of
all it surveyed.” It is from the very little muscular exertion used by
these birds, that they are capable of sustaining such long nights
without repose.
When these elegant birds are captured, and brought on board,
their sleek, delicate and clean plumage is a subject of much
admiration; and the fine snow-white down which remains after the
removal of the outer feathers, is in requisition among ladies for
muffs, tippets, &c. The large species of albatross measures from
eight to fourteen feet. I have even heard it asserted, that specimens
have been shot of this species, the expanded wings of which
measured twenty feet across; but the greatest spread I have seen,
has been fourteen feet.[21] The immense distance these birds are
capable of flying, seems almost incredible, although often
ascertained by birds having been caught, marked, and again set at
liberty. When seizing an object floating on the water, they gradually
descend with expanded or upraised wings, or sometimes alight, and
float like a duck on the water, while devouring their food; then,
elevating themselves, they skim the surface of the ocean with
expanded wings, giving frequent impulses, (as the great length of
their wings prevents their rising with facility from a level surface,) as
they run along for some distance, until they again soar in mid-air,
and recommence their erratic flights. It is interesting to view them
during boisterous weather, flying with, and even against, the wind,
seeming the “gayest of the gay” in the midst of howling winds and
foaming waves.
 To watch the flight of these birds used to afford me much
amusement;—commencing with the difficulty experienced by them
in elevating themselves from the water. To effect this object, they
spread their long pinions to the utmost, giving them repeated
impulses as they run along the surface of the water for some
distance. Having, by these exertions, raised themselves above the
wave, they ascend and descend, and cleave the atmosphere in
various directions, without any apparent muscular exertion. How
then, it may be asked, do these birds execute such movements? The
whole surface of the body in this, as well as, I believe, most, if not
all, the oceanic tribes, is covered by numerous air-cells, capable of a
voluntary inflation or diminution, by means of a beautiful muscular
apparatus. By this power, the birds can raise or depress themselves
at will, and the tail, and great length of the wing, enable them to
steer in any direction. Indeed, without some provision of this kind, to
save muscular exertion, it would be impossible for these birds to
undergo such long flights without repose, as they have been known
to do; for the muscles appertaining to the organs of flight, although
large in these birds, are evidently inadequate in power to the long
distances they have been known to fly, and the immense length of
time they remain on the wing, without scarcely a moment’s
cessation.
When several species of the albatross, as well as petrels and other
oceanic birds, are about the ship at the same time, no combats have
been seen to take place between them; but on the death of one, the
others soon fall upon and devour it. When one of this tribe of birds
is captured and brought upon the deck, it appears to be a very
muscular bird,—judging from its external form. This deception is
occasioned by the quantity of down and feathers, with a very dense
integument, and the air-cells being often inflated in a slight degree.
When these are removed, the body of the bird is found to be of a
smaller size than would have been supposed, and, comparatively
speaking, does not possess the muscular power, which, from its long
flights, our ideas might lead us to suppose. I remarked that the
albatross would lower himself even to the water’s edge, and elevate
himself again without any apparent impulse; nor could I observe any
percussion of the wings when the flight was directed against the
wind,—but then, of course, its progress was tardy. Many, however,
have differed with me in considering that the birds never fly “dead
against the wind,” but in that manner, which sailors term, “close to
the wind,” and thus make progress, aided by, when seemingly flying
against, the wind.[22]
The different species or varieties of the albatross, are but little
understood; in the course of a long voyage but few opportunities
occur to any person acquainted with natural history to examine
specimens, and consequently our knowledge respecting them is
limited to a very few facts. It is not in many instances that a new
species can be defined; age and sex often producing differences
which are frequently regarded as specific characters. If persons, who
may feel an interest, or have studied this interesting science, would
note down the differences of plumage, size, and sex, &c. of the birds
captured, in course of time a mass of information might be collected,
which would serve, in some degree, to determine the different
changes of plumage undergone by the various species.[23]
On the 21st of August, the south end of King’s Island was seen,
bearing east-north-east, by compass, at a distance of thirty miles.
We entered Bass’s Straits on the same night, and anchored in
Sydney Cove, Port Jackson, on the morning of the 25th of August.
 CHAPTER III.
Sombre appearance of the Australian coast—Feelings of an emigrant on
approaching it—Improvement of Sydney—Fruits produced in the
colony—Extent of the town—Cultivation of flowers and culinary
vegetables—House-rent—The streets—Parrots—Shops—Impolicy of
continuing the colony as a penal settlement—The theatre—Aspect of
the country in the vicinity of Sydney—The grass tree—Floral beauties
—Larva of a curious insect—The colonial museum—Visit to Elizabeth
Bay—Valuable botanical specimens in the garden of the Honourable
Alexander Macleay—New Zealand flax—Articles manufactured from
that vegetable—Leave Sydney—Residence of Mr. M’Arthur—Forest
flowers—Acacias—Paramatta—Swallows.

As we sailed by the Australian coast, its barren aspect neither

cheered or invited the stranger’s eye; even where vegetation grew
upon its shores, it displayed so sombre an appearance as to impart
no animation to the scenery of the coast. To an emigrant, one who
has left the land of his fathers, to rear his family and lay his bones in
a distant soil, the first view of this, his adopted country, cannot
excite in his bosom any emotions of pleasurable gratification;
despondency succeeds the bright rays of hope, and he compares
with heartfelt regret the arid land before him with the fertile country
he has forsaken, because it afforded not sustenance for himself and
family, and thus reluctantly caused him to sever the affectionate ties
that united him to dear friends in his native land—the place of his
birth—the soil and habitation of his forefathers for centuries.
One does not behold the graceful waving of the cocoa palm, the
broad and vivid green foliage of the plantain, nor the beautiful
luxuriance of a tropical vegetation, which delight the vision of the
wearied voyager on a first approach to a tropical region, where the
soil teems with cultivation, or a profuse natural vegetation extending
from the loftiest mountains even to the ocean’s brink. But on landing
and viewing the interior of Australia, the wanderer, although seeing
much to confirm his first impressions, will also view many parts of
the country recalling to his memory features resembling the land he
has left; and as industry gives him wealth and independence, and he
finds his family easily maintained, he becomes reconciled to his
choice, and remains comparatively if not entirely happy.
Sydney was much improved and enlarged since my last visit in
1829; provisions were abundant and exceedingly cheap, the shipping
being supplied with fresh beef at one penny a pound, and even less;
vegetables are also very abundant, except in the most arid of the
summer months; and fruit is, during the summer months, plentiful,
and a great portion of excellent quality, consisting of several varieties
of peaches, apricots, apples, pears, water-melons, loquats, grapes,
plums, and strawberries, &c. Fruit of a superior kind obtains a high
price, but the common kinds are very cheap; peaches for preserves
or tarts being hawked about the streets at a penny a dozen.
Gooseberries will not succeed in the vicinity of Sydney, but this fruit
has been produced in the Argyle and Bathurst districts. Grapes have
lately been perfected in the colony in great abundance, both as to
size and flavour; and much attention is now devoted by the colonists
to the cultivation of the vine; for which, from its prolific and early
bearing, the Australian soil seems to be exceedingly well calculated.
Several enterprising individuals have introduced the different
species and varieties of vines from Spain, France, Portugal, &c. &c.
producing grapes, valuable in the manufacture of wine, as also for
the dessert; and we may hope that the time is not distant when
grapes will abound in Australia as they at present do at the Cape,
and that wine both for home-consumption and exportation will be
made from them. The immense increase of grapes in the colony
during the last two or three years, leads one to suppose that the
above opinion will speedily be confirmed.
On making a circuit around the town of Sydney, the metropolis of
the Australian colony, the extent of ground it occupies, the number
of buildings completed, as well as those erecting for the increased
and still increasing population, the variety and neatness of the
shops, excite the surprise of a stranger, and still more of a person
who revisits the town after a brief absence, at the rapid
improvements that have taken place in this distant colony in so short
a period of time. The humble wooden dwellings are fast giving place
to neat houses and cottages constructed of brick or sandstone; but,
as may be expected in all recently established towns, there is much
want of symmetry in the construction of the buildings; and on
perambulating the streets, specimens of several unknown orders of
architecture are seen; the cottage style, with neat verandas, is one
much adopted for private dwellings, and has a neatness of external
appearance, with which the interior usually corresponds. Many have
neat gardens attached to them, in which, during the summer
season, the blooming rose, as well as the pink, the stock, and other
European flowers, impart a beauty, and remind one of home; or, in
lieu of these gay vegetable productions, the industrious housekeeper
has caused the plot of ground to be planted with peas, beans,
cabbages, and other culinary vegetables. The tree cabbage, common
on the European continent, but rarely seen in England, I observed
introduced in the gardens; it thrives well in the colony.
House-rent is excessively high in the colony, being one of the
greatest expenses to a resident in Sydney; it varies from sixty to two
hundred and fifty pounds annually. The streets being of sandstone,
the constant attrition of it by vehicles, &c. produces, from its
friability, much dust, which occasions, during windy days, much
annoyance; from the same cause, the streets are often out of repair,
and the best material for repairing them is a kind of flinty stone,
brought by ships from Hobart Town as ballast.
Parrots are, perhaps, of all the feathered tribe, the most numerous
in the colony; and different species are lauded for speaking,
whistling, and other noisy accomplishments. No one can walk the
streets of Sydney or any of the villages of the colony, or enter an inn
or dwelling-house, without seeing this class of birds hung about in
cages, and having his ears assailed by the screeching, babbling, and
whistling noises which issue from their vocal organs: it is the street
music of the colony, and “pretty polly,” “sweet polly,” are tender
sounds which issue from the exterior as well as interior of every
dwelling. These birds are evidently gifted with the bump of
talkativeness. It was once asserted, that ladies kept the birds to
converse with when alone, which served a double purpose—that of
being to them both practice and amusement.
The best view of the town, shipping, and adjacent country is that
seen from the “rocks,” and the prospect afforded from this elevated
situation is very fine. Shops of all kinds are rapidly multiplying; and
lately there have been extensive emigrations of artisans of all
descriptions from every part of the united kingdom; butchers,
bakers, pastrycooks, provision merchants, shoemakers,
apothecaries, fancy-bread bakers, booksellers, &c. &c. are
numerous, and have neat, and some even elegant shops; the press
sends forth their cards and circulars, and large posting bills, printed
in a neat and even superior manner, equal to any similar production
in our country towns in England. Circulating libraries and literary
reading rooms are now becoming numerous, for the Australians are
desirous of being a reading as well as a thinking people, and are
anxious to have the permission of legislating for themselves; but
whilst the free and emancipist parties are each desirous of gaining
an ascendancy in colonial affairs, it would certainly not be advisable
to grant the boon; both have their interests at home, and the
emancipists are a wealthy and powerful body; and although I am
not anxious to enter into the political affairs of the colony, I would,
while on this subject, merely wish to suggest the expediency, from
the wealth and importance of this part of the Australian colony, to no
longer use it as a penal settlement, but encourage free emigration of
labourers, and send the convicts to a new colony, which might be
founded at the northern portion of the extensive Australian territory;
then there can be no doubt that party spirit will in some degree
subside, and the colony will increase still more in prosperity, being
undivided by any party feeling.
It is well known that free emigration is detested by most of the
convict party, and a wealthy individual of this class once remarked,
“What have the free emigrants to do here? the colony was founded
for us, they have no right here;” and that individual, from his wealth,
would probably be elected a member of a future House of Assembly.
The emigration of wealthy settlers has been much retarded by the
government order, that no grants of land are to be given, but only
purchased; until that order is repealed, no great increase of settlers
for agricultural purposes will take place; one grant—but one grant
only—ought to be given to the emigrant on his arrival in the colony
as before; and those who may be desirous of having an additional
grant, may then be able to effect it by purchase; the land sold since
the new order has been in operation, has been principally, if not
entirely, purchased by those among the settlers who were desirous
of increasing the extent of their property, and from the vicinity of the
“selection” to their former grant, can afford to give a higher price for
it, than the newly arrived settler, ignorant of the quality of the land,
and the district in which it may be situated.
A theatre having been licensed by the governor, and lately opened
by a select company of performers, I visited it one night to ascertain
the actual state of the drama in the colony, as also to see the
mingled society which would be brought together by such a novel
place of amusement. On the night mentioned, I visited it with a
party of friends; the evening’s entertainment was the “Heir at Law,”
and “Bombastes Furioso.” The interior of the theatre (which was
fitted up as a temporary measure, in a large room of the Royal
Hotel[24]) is small, and is used only until one more complete can be
erected: considering the disadvantages under which theatrical
exhibitions must labour in so young a colony, the “tout ensemble” far
exceeded what I had expected. The pit and boxes (for there was no
gallery) might probably contain one hundred and fifty persons. To
speak of the performance of Colman’s celebrated comedy, would be
to say it was beneath criticism; and the actors seemed determined
to “play the comedy” after a manner of their own, substituting
passages of their own for those of the author, in defiance of all
dramatic rules.
 The greatest novelty of the evening was a young Australian
actress, to whom the drama was as much a novelty as she became
to us this evening; and consequently she had no medium of
comparison by which her judgment could be directed. Her
predominant fault was a want of feeling. In the very affecting scene,
where poor Henry, long supposed to be lost, returns to his beloved
and disconsolate Caroline—he was in ranting raptures, while she
received him in the most hard-hearted manner that can be
conceived, uttered the expressions placed by the author into her
mouth as a mere matter of course; and, as the unfeeling creature
evidently showed that she neither felt nor understood the
sentiments uttered, it proved no affecting scene either to actors or
auditors. However, “Advance Australia;” the lady and the colony, we
thought, are both young. As for the rest of the corps, they too often
mistook indecency for wit, and probably by so doing they pleased
the majority of their audience; if so, both parties would be satisfied.
The pit contained those usually seen in the galleries of the theatre at
home; and squabbles, threats, and actual combats, served to amuse
some, and discipline others; and the various scenes and expressions
in both pit and boxes excited in our minds any thing but an idea of
the sublime and beautiful. It may also be worthy of remark, as a
proof of the increasing morality of the colony, that no one was
stationed at the doors, as in our depraved metropolis, warning you
to “take care of your pockets;” and that neither myself, or any
gentlemen in company, either in our ingress or egress, had our
pockets picked.
The domain and country in the immediate vicinity of Sydney was
assuming (in September) a gay and brilliant aspect from the
profusion of flowering shrubs and plants strewed over the arid soil;
there was, however, a peculiar character in the vegetation, the
foliage of the trees having a dry appearance, and being destitute of
the lustre so observable in those of other countries. This want of
lustre is attributed by that justly celebrated botanist, Dr. Brown, to
the equal existence of cutaneous glands on both surfaces of the leaf;
[25] and another peculiarity is the trees attaining a great elevation,
with branches only at the summit, and shedding their bark; some of
the trees being seen perfectly decorticated and appearing in a
smooth new bark, whilst others have the outer bark not yet quite
thrown off, but hanging in long strips from the trunk. These
peculiarities, in combination with others, convey to us different ideas
from those formed from the vegetation of other countries.
Among the beauties of the kingdom of Flora, which are lavished so
profusely in this colony, the different species of the Banksia[26]
genus (or honeysuckle, as all the species are indiscriminately termed
by the colonists) would arrest the attention of the stranger, by its
peculiar growth as well as remarkable flowers; the species Banksia
ericifolia was most profusely in bloom, its erect tufts of orange-
coloured flowers imparting to it a lively appearance. That curious
and interesting tree the Xanthorrhœa,—yellow gum or grass tree of
the colonists,—would attract observation from its peculiar growth,
the trunk being surmounted by long grassy foliage, from the centre
of which arises a long scape terminated by a cylindrical spike, either
crowded with its small white flowers of sickly odour, or with dark
coloured angulated capsules, containing small black seeds. The
flowers of the several species secrete a honey, which exudes at first
like dew-drops, and afterwards concretes into an albumen, attracting
multitudes of insects, which soon deface the purity the flowers
before presented. The natives readily produce fire by rubbing two
pieces of the trunk of this tree together.
This tree is found abundantly in several parts of the colony, and
there are already seven described species. It is named “grass tree”
by the colonists from its long pendent grassy foliage, and “yellow
gum tree” from secreting a quantity of yellowish gum.[27] It is a tree
of curious growth, and I have seen the species called hastile from
eight to ten feet high, and the trunk sometimes surmounted by from
two to four heads; each bearing a flowering stem, which rises from
the centre of the foliage to the length of six feet and upwards: it is
round and very light, combining lightness with strength, and is used
by the aborigines for making their spears, fish gigs, &c. The scape
terminates in a cylindrical spike; the flowers are small, white, and
numerous; an albumen is secreted from them of a sweet taste,
which is eaten by the natives and birds, and is also a source of
attraction to multitudes of ants and other insects; the capsules are
triangular, and contain three flat black seeds in distinct cells.
It secretes a yellow gum, resembling very much in appearance,
though not in quality, the gamboge; externally it has a dull yellow
appearance, but breaks with a bright yellow fracture, and is often
streaked internally with red. In its natural state it has no fragrant
smell, but by the action of fire it diffuses an agreeable odour,
resembling that produced by frankincense, instead of which, I
believe, it has been used in the Roman Catholic churches on the
continent. It exudes spontaneously from the trunk, in very small
globules, and is found in very thin layers about the bases of the
petioles of the leaves, but may be melted into large masses.
The resin (more commonly known as the gum acaroides) is
slightly bitter, pungent and astringent, and has been used in
dyspeptic, dysenteric, and other cases; but not with such success as
to cause it to be admitted into our materia medica.
The floral beauties were profusely lavished, and the brilliancy and
gaiety they impart to the otherwise arid country during the full
flowering season, are to be equalled but by few countries. The
present season was later than usual, from the coldness of the
weather continuing for a more advanced period of the year than had
been experienced for many years in New South Wales. On our arrival
the thermometer was lower than we had experienced it in 41° south
latitude, or when passing the Cape during the winter season. During
the remainder of the month of August, the range of the
thermometer was min. 45°, max. 58°.
Besides the Banksia,[28] or honeysuckles, the Boronias, Epacris
grandiflora, with its elegant pendent blossoms, and two species of
Kennedia,[29] one bearing red and the other small blue flowers
entwined over the shrubs in their vicinity; the other golden and
fragrant flowers of the Acacias (of which genus the colony possesses
a large number of indigenous species) gave an additional beauty to
the otherwise arid character of the vegetation; the Xylomelum
pyriforme, or wooden pear-tree, so called from its exceedingly hard
woody fruits, is seen abundant in the vicinity of Sydney, several are
seen from thirty to thirty-five feet in elevation, and two feet in
circumference. A splendid Bignonia overspread the rocks, decked
with its pendulous clusters of tinted blossoms; and two large and
parisitical Dendrobiums, in full flower, adorned the rough trunk of
one of the eucalyptus tribe to which it had attached itself for
sustenance; and the different species of Grevillea, Leptospermum,
Pimelia, Lambertia, Crowea, and a number of others, added to the
animated appearance of the soil. On the north shore the shrubs and
plants, now in full flower, were more abundant; the arid soil was
brilliant with the variety of tints emanating from them, combining to
charm the eye with their beauty, but were destitute of that
agreeable fragrance for which the flowers of European climes are so
highly esteemed.
On the Leptospermum I remarked an insect, or rather the larva of
some Coleopterous insect, pending from a sprig and enclosed in a
case of a woven substance, strengthened externally by bits of twigs;
the insect to which this larva belongs is unknown to me, nor have I
been able to see it described in any entomological work; the only
publication in which I have seen it mentioned, is in the catalogue of
the museum of the Royal College of Surgeons in London, part 4,
fasc. 1. “Preparations of Natural History in Spirit,” page 117, No. 438.
“Larva of a Coleopterous Insect in its Case.”
It attaches itself to the sprigs of shrubs, and, like the caddis
worms, protects itself by a habitation from which it can protrude the
anterior part of its body, being attached internally to its case by the
tail, and by that means can feed and change its locality at pleasure,
bearing its case with it, and re-attaching itself to any other place
that may suit its habits; thus I have had them moving about in my
room, attaching themselves to one place, and then removing to
another; at first much to my surprise at their power of mobility, until
I saw it was effected by the protrusion of the larva from its
habitation. The case is composed internally of a very tough web, and
the exterior is covered by bits of twigs interwoven upon it in a
perpendicular direction; it suspends itself from the twig by a strong
cluster of filaments. I have found this larva enclosed in its case of
various sizes from three to six inches; this has led me to conclude
that, like the caddis worms, they increase in size in the larva state,
enlarging their habitations as the former ones become too small for
the increased size of their bodies. I found, by cutting one of the
cases open, that they readily repair any injury their dwellings may
have sustained, for a few hours only having elapsed after I had
made the incision to view the contained larva, I found the case
restored as firmly as before.
In company with my friend, Mr. Lauga, I visited the colonial
museum, which is arranged for the present in a small room,
assigned for the purpose, in the council-house, and which had been
recently established at Sydney: it forms an excellent nucleus for a
splendid collection, particularly in a country so prolific in rare,
valuable, and beautiful specimens of natural productions. For the
present, the ornithological collection is by far the best, both for the
number, and being beautifully stuffed and “set up” in attitudes, from
which it is evident that nature has been closely studied. Specimens
of the families Columbæ, Psittaceæ,[30] Raptores, &c. are the most
numerous. There are also several of the mammalia, and reptiles of
the colony in the collection.
But, in a country where specimens could be procured in the
majority of instances in almost any number, it would be of great
interest to the lover of science, as well as to the admirer of nature,
and also considerably increase the value of the collection and the
advancement of scientific knowledge, if, besides among the birds,
the male and female specimens being preserved, any showing the
changes of plumage, which so frequently occur in the feathered tribe
from the juvenile to the adult age; the nest and eggs, together with
the skeletons, or any remarkable anatomical peculiarity, should also
be preserved. The same system may be adopted with respect to
other animals, reptiles, and insects, arranged each under the
separate families and genera, so as, in a comparatively short period
of time, to form as valuable a collection of Australian natural
productions as has ever been collected in any part of the world.
Native weapons, utensils, and other specimens of the arts, as
existing among the Aborigines, as well as the skulls of the different
tribes, and accurate drawings of their peculiar cast of features,
would be a desirable addition. At the present time, such might be
procured without much difficulty; but it is equally certain, as well as
much to be regretted, that the tribes in the settled parts of the
colony are fast decreasing, and many, if not all, will, at no distant
period, be known but by name. Here, in a public museum, the
remains of the arts, &c. as existing among them, may be preserved
as lasting memorials of the former races inhabiting the lands, when
they had ceased to exist.
The botanical productions of the colony may also be kept in a
dried state for reference, together with specimens of the woods in
different stages of growth. Peculiarities in the economy of any of the
animals might be preserved as wet preparations, and to the whole
collection, systematically arranged, as well as the scientific, (or hard
names, as the ladies call them,) let also the popular, colonial and
native names, be attached. The council has liberally granted the sum
of two hundred pounds annually out of the colonial funds, for the
support of the museum; a hundred and thirty pounds of which is a
salary to the collector and staffers of specimens of natural history for
the collection, and the remainder is expended for cases, &c.; but
encouragement should be held out for donations, as is usual in other
public collections.[31] At all events, the commencement of the public
museum is excellent; and science, I believe, is indebted for its
institution to the Honourable Alexander Macleay, colonial secretary;
and may he see it attain an importance which no one can enjoy or
appreciate more than himself, who has devoted the leisure moments
of a long and arduous life engaged in other important occupations,
to the study of the natural sciences.
 In company with my friend, Lieutenant Breton, R. N., I visited
Elizabeth Bay, about two miles distant from Sydney, and the
property of the Honourable Alexander Macleay. The situation is
beautiful, being in a retired bay or cove of Port Jackson, and the
garden and farm is near the sea. This spot, naturally of the most
sterile description, has been rendered, at a great expense and
perseverance, in some degree productive as a nursery for rare trees,
shrubs, and plants, from all parts of the world. We were much
gratified with the valuable and rare specimens the garden contained,
and surprised that a spot possessed of no natural advantages should
have been rendered, comparatively, a little paradise.
In the garden, a species of cactus was pointed out to me by the
gardener, Mr. Henderson, which Mr. Macleay had brought some years
ago from Rio Janeiro: it had flowered at the usual time, and they
had changed into what had the usual external form of the fruit. On
making a section of one, it had the usual fructual character, although
in an immature state. I was, however, informed that the fruit never
attained maturity, but became as one of the branches, blossoms
being produced from it, which would again produce fruit, and that
fruit would not ripen, but again produce flowers, so continuing
during the whole of the flowering season, without ripening any fruit,
having consequently a curious anomaly of fruit producing flowers,
instead of flowers producing fruit. It has always, during the time it
has been planted in the garden, exhibited this phenomenon, which
was never observed in the plant from which this was taken at Rio. It
must therefore be considered as a curious anomaly in vegetation.
The greatest importer and manufacturer of New Zealand flax[32] in
the colony is Mr. Maclaren. I visited his extensive establishment,
which had just been completed on the north shore near Sydney, for
the cleaning and manufacture of the flax into rope. He has also
establishments at New Zealand, from whence he imports the flax,
exporting some to England, and manufacturing the remainder into
cordage for the use of the colonial vessels. He has also a powerful
hydraulic press, for the purpose of compressing the flax into bales
for exportation. He manufactures from this material a large quantity
of whale lines for the colonial whalers, who speak in high terms of
the quality of the rope, for that purpose. The rope manufactured
from this flax, takes the tar readily, and the small lines are passed
through it previous to their being made into rope of larger size.[33]
As I hope the time is not far distant when its value will be more
appreciated, and the prejudice, at present so much against it, will
have diminished, I may perhaps be excused in giving an account of
this valuable plant from my own observations during a visit to New
Zealand.
This valuable plant is regarded by the natives of New Zealand as
sacred, but is probably an object of veneration for its value in
manufactures, as it is neither employed in religious or other
ceremonies. It grows principally in moist, marshy soil, but I have
also observed it growing on the declivities of hills. The leaves are
ensiform, of a bright green colour, with a rim of orange along the
margin: the foliage attains the elevation of five to seven feet, and
resembles in mode of growth our water flags: the flower stalk rises
to the elevation of four or five feet beyond the foliage, and bears a
profusion of liliaceous flowers of a reddish yellow colour, succeeded
by triangular capsules, filled with numerous oblong, flattened, black
seeds. The leaves grow perfectly erect, but are figured incorrectly in
Cook’s first voyage, and other works, as they are delineated bending
towards the ground, which from their rigidity they are, unless
broken, unable to do. The flax procured from this plant is situated
(unlike all other kinds with which we are acquainted) in the leaves,
where the fibres run in a longitudinal direction, covered by the
epidermis. There are several varieties of it indigenous to New
Zealand, from some of which the flax is procured of much finer
quality than others. I collected much finer specimens of the flax from
the vicinity of the River Thames, New Zealand, than from the Bay of
Islands.
The flax is used by the natives of New Zealand for a variety of
purposes; from it they manufacture very strong fishing-lines, and
also a variety of handsome and durable mats, which are used both
by males and females for clothing. The method adopted by the
natives of New Zealand, for the separation of the fibre from the
other parts of the leaf, is as follows:—The leaves, when full grown,
are cut down, the most perfect selected, and a lateral incision is
made with a shell on each side of the leaf, so as simply to cut
through the epidermis; the shell is then, with a gentle pressure,
drawn from one of the incisions rapidly down the leaf, and is
afterwards repeated on the other side; by this, the whole of the
external epidermis is readily removed; the internal epidermis, which
is of very thin texture, usually remains, but sometimes it is in the
greatest part removed together with the external: the internal seems
to unite the fibres of the leaf more intimately together, and if not
cleaned from the flax when in a recent state, is removed afterwards
with great difficulty; and when it is suffered to remain, renders the
flax less valuable as an article of commerce.
In the preparation of the flax, as well as in the manufacture of it
into matting, the females are employed, and custom renders them
very expert. Before, however, the flax is manufactured into matting,
it is previously soaked in water, and afterwards beaten, by which it
becomes more pliable and soft. The plant is named koradi by the
natives; and when the flax is prepared, it is named muka. This plant
alone would render New Zealand a valuable colony to the British
nation. At present the flax is used in England only in the
manufacture of cordage, &c.; but if the best varieties, indigenous to
New Zealand, were selected, (for they differ materially in the
fineness of the fibre,) and proper care and attention bestowed on
the cleaning, when in a recent state, it may, there can be no doubt,
be employed in the manufacture of linen of very fine quality.
Previous to being used for cordage, Mr. Maclaren has the flax well
hackled, which materially improves its quality and appearance: could
it be exported in this improved state, it cannot be doubted that
much of the prejudice now existing against its use would be
removed; for the epidermis of the leaves being entirely removed
when the flax is well cleaned, the fibres will, as a matter of course,
unite closer together, affording a united and stronger resistance; but
Mr. Maclaren informs me that the expense attending the hackling in
this colony would not repay him at the price the material at present
obtains in England, or even were it to advance to its former high
price.
At present this gentleman cannot manufacture cordage at a less
price than a ship from England could bring it out as stores, but still
at a lower rate than the Europe cordage sent out on freight for sale;
in the colony it is therefore cheaper to colonial vessels, and is found
very durable. It has been used three years and upwards as running
gear for shipping, and highly approved of; from the flax having been
sent home in an uncleaned state, it has been rendered almost
unsaleable, and gave an opportunity for those prejudiced to
depreciate its value. From the natural indolence of the New
Zealanders, it is difficult to procure the flax from them in a better
dressed state, until some of them are taught the art of hackling it,
which would be advisable to be done immediately. To attempt to
clean the flax from the epidermis in any but during the recent state,
is a labour of difficulty, from its close connexion with the fibres, by
which a great loss in weight would necessarily be sustained.
Captain P. P. King, R. N. (who may be considered high authority,)
when on the survey of the Australian coast, used rope manufactured
from this flax, and he commends it highly for running rigging. I was
also informed by a mercantile gentleman, that from its unclean state
(as well as from bending the fibres in packing, by which the edges
decaying, the length of staple is diminished one-half) it has become
quite unsaleable at home, and the opposition to it by the Riga flax
importers tends still more to crush it, the badly cleaned state of the
flax giving them a strong ground for its condemnation.
On the 9th of September I left Sydney, with the intention of calling
on my friends in the vicinity, and then proceeding into the interior of
the colony. I passed an agreeable day with the amiable family of
Major Lockyer, at his pretty residence at the Field of Mars, near
Kissing[34] Point, and situated upon the banks of the Paramatta
creek or river.[35]
After an agreeable day’s sojourn I left for Paramatta, calling at the
“Vineyard,” the residence of Hannibal M’Arthur, Esq. The habitation
was delightfully situated on the banks of the Paramatta creek, or
river. His gardens, annexed to the house, were extensive, and richly
stored with many valuable shrubs and plants, and a brilliant display
of hyacinths, anemones, jonquils, and other annuals, usually the
ornament of our gardens, brought forcibly to our minds the
recollection of our spring and summer seasons at home. Salt
provision becoming an article of colonial export, Major Lockyer, Mr.
H. M’Arthur, and many other gentlemen, settled in, and possessing
large estates in the colony, are profitably employed in salting
provision, both for the commissariat department of the colony, as
well as for exportation. The Liverpool is preferred by some to the
salt of colonial manufacture, from its being of a stronger quality.
The woods in the vicinity of the “Vineyard” abounded with
numerous plants of the Orchideæ family, growing in a very barren
soil. One of these, that has received the colonial appellation of
“native hyacinth,” was just developing its beautiful cærulean
blossoms, and another its flowers of a bright yellow, spotted
internally with brown. These latter Orchideæ are named
“boyams,”[36] having their bulbous roots filled with a viscid mucilage,
which renders them an article of food among the aborigines: they
are also sought after by the colonial children, who are fond of
collecting and eating them; the little creatures would readily
recognize their favourite “boyams” among the specimens I had
collected. The Emu flowers, (Richea glauca,) were now abundant,
and in full blossom; the colonial appellation has been given from the
emus feeding upon them, that is, when emus were to be seen, for
they have been driven by encroaching settlements far into the
interior of the colony, and before long an emu will be as great, if not
a greater rarity, at Sydney than in England, for in the latter country I
am happy to see they are endeavouring to, and I hope will, succeed
in breeding them.
The acacias (of the species floribunda and fillifannilius) were
abundant, and covered at this season with a profusion of delicate
golden flowers, imparting to the otherwise sterile aspect of the
woods, a gay and animated appearance, as well as diffusing a
grateful fragrance around, wafted by the gentle breezes to a still
greater distance; their drooping branches, thickly studded with
pending clusters of blossoms, decorated the sides of the roads,
gardens, barren plains, and banks of rivers, being the only trees that
at one period of the season bestowed some life to the usual
uninteresting character of the scenery, at some parts aided by other
flowering shrubs in full blossom, among which those of the Epacridæ
family were most profuse.
Paramatta is a pretty village situated in a vale, and has some well-
constructed public buildings—as the government-house, orphan-
school, commissariat stores, female factory, &c. The situation of the
village renders it exceedingly sultry during the summer months. The
government-house is well-situated, and the building is of neat
construction; the grounds about it are well laid out, and it has
become the favourite residence of the present governor; and when
compared to the government-house at Sydney, well merits his
choice.
Swallows were numerous at this season of the year, and were now
busily engaged in constructing their nests under the eves of houses;
the nests differ from those of the European species, in having a
bottle-shaped neck.
I had no opportunity of ascertaining whether the species were the
same; but from casual observation I should think they were
different. When these little birds are not in the vicinity of the
dwellings of man, they construct their nests in the hollow trunks of
trees, or under overhanging rocks, but always seem to prefer the
society or protection of the human race: many are seen busily
engaged in the construction of a nest, forming a “co-operative