1 6 Vo}jage of the Novara. 



Among the excursions in tlie immediate neighbour] lood 

 of Sydney we at once selected a visit to the well-known 

 naturalist Mr. Macleay, who resides at a beautiful estate near 

 Elizabeth Bay. In his beautiful garden one sees the most 

 interesting plants of Australia side by side with splendid 

 specimens from all other parts of the world. A stroll through 

 the extensive grounds derives a double interest when in 

 company with its highly-cultivated proprietor, and we are 

 the more grateful for this good fortune, as the venerable old 

 gentleman lives in strict seclusion. 



Another very interesting visit was that paid to Sir Daniel 

 Cooper at his residence on Rose Bay (Wullurah).^ Sir 

 Daniel is of humble parentage, but fell heir to property 

 which made him the wealthiest man in the colony, and which 

 he now dispenses with the most noble and hospitable pro- 

 fusion. During the Crimean war he subscribed £1000 per 

 annum towards defraying the costs. Lately he has been 

 elected speaker of the Legislative Assembly, when he was 

 knighted by her Majesty. His villa in Rose Bay, when 

 completed, promised to be surpassed by few mansions of the 

 English nobility in elegance and comfort. 



friends writes, " An expedition similar to your own, which shall visit us some years 

 hence, will find little more than a scant remnant of the aborigines. That of the 

 Novara is probably the last of a scientific nature, which will have been successful in 

 seeing living specimens of the once numerous blacks of Australia." 



* Wulluiah in the native language signifies " the place of deliberation," because 

 in former times this place had, on account of its commanding position, been selected 

 by the aborigines for assembling the various tribes by means of watch-fires, or blasts 

 of a horn, to decide upon peace or war. 



