At the close of the last century, the Governor of New South Wales endeavoured to 

 check the roving propensities of certain tiirbulent Irishmen by corporeal punishment ; 

 but as this did not prove effectual, he determined to convince them of the difficulties and 

 dangers of a wandering life by actual experience. Four of the hardiest of them were 

 therefore chosen, and fitted out for a journey of discovery, under the charge of three 

 trusty guides, who were to lead them back, when fatigued and exhausted with their 

 journey, over the most difficult and dangerous part of the country. A consj^iracy to 

 murder the guides was detected before the party set out, and it was consequently 

 increased by the addition of four soldiers, and began its enterprise on the 14th of 



• Mtnm-a Supcrba. 



