5 2 Voyage of the Novara. 



to welcome the Imperial Expedition, commencing with a 

 serenade, given by the German Singing-Club, who hired a 

 large steamer, the Washington^ for the occasion, which they 

 had gaily decorated with foliage and coloured lamps. Amid- 

 ships there was a splendid transparency, with the word 

 "Welcome" inscribed in letters of light, above which was 

 a very neatly executed Austrian eagle. Upwards of 300 

 guests shared in the fete. At 8 p. m. the vessel got under 

 weigh from Circular Quay. With the first plash of the 

 paddles the music struck up, and the ship glided off, as 

 though on the wings of Harmony, towards the grand- 

 looking Novara. 



Unfortunately the weather proved very unfavourable. To 

 an oppressingly hot, close, sultry day of entire calm, the 

 thermometer marking 109'' Fahr. in shade, there had 

 suddenly sprung up a " Brickfielder,"* that di-eaded south 

 wind, which may be considered one of the worst plagues of 

 Sydney, owing to the clouds of dust. It now put German 

 patience and German good-humour to a severe proof. At 

 each tack of the steamer it blew out a w^hole row of varie- 

 gated lamps and illuminations, which, however, were as 

 perseveringly relit. It had been firmly resolved, however, 



* This is the nickname given to the violent S. or S.W. wind, fortunately of short 

 duration, which so frequently springs up towards evening from the "Brickfields," 

 because it brings with it such volumes of sand and dust from the eminence known 

 as the Brickfield lying S. and S.W. from Sydney, enveloping the entire city in 

 miirky clouds of dust. The " Brickfielder " is a pretty safe guide as to the weather, 

 as soon as it blows the whole sky becomes suddenly covered with clouds, and cool 

 rainy weather follows upon the previous heat. 



