208 TlIK KNTOMOLOGIST, 



Inslitute, who gave me much valuable information, and with 

 whom I had some pleasant collecting. To Messrs. Alfred 

 and Edwin Heath, of the Treasury and Mitcham, I am 

 indebted for innumerable kindnesses, and for many useful 

 bush hints. At Nairne I was assisted by Dr. O. Weld, 

 M D., J.P., &c. ; also by Mr. Timms. 



In conclusion, 1 must say, with all due deference to the 

 Australian colonies, I soon found out that the idea in England 

 of its white inhabitants being so generous-hearted, frank, and 

 honest, was a miserable delusion. In none of my previous 

 travels (rather limited, certainly) at home, in France, Switzer- 

 land, Belgium, and elsewhere on the Continent, have I met 

 with such avarice and dishonesty as were evinced by the South 

 Australians. I allude, of course, to business transactions. 

 Should any of those who have sufficient patience and time 

 to read these notes, meditate a trip there, let me recom- 

 mend them to keep their eyes well open, and pockets well 

 shut ! I speak from experience, for which I paid dearly. 



With few exceptions, the inhabitants of N , Mount 



B , and other surrounding villages, rival our cleverest 



London " sharpers,'' — as far as dishonesty is concerned. They 

 have also a peculiar method of transacting business in these 

 parts. We will suppose you have a little account with Mr. 

 Brown, which you are anxious to pay. You ask him for his 

 bill. It is promised to-morrow. You call to-morrow : he will 

 make it out that evening. Another day passes: you are 

 leaving the neighbourhood, and time being precious you 

 implore him for his account. It does not arrive ; in fact, 

 like nearly all the tradespeople there, he is too lazy to make 

 it out till compelled to do so. Your day of departure has 

 nearly arrived, and tJien the long wished-for accounts appear 

 by post, always accompanied with a polite little note (in 

 rather remarkable spelling) to the effect, " that if your 

 account is not ])aid immediately, you will receive a police 

 summons !" Above all things beware of colonial " chemists," 

 as they style themselves, who profess " to prepare prescrip- 

 tions accurately." Through one of these "chemists" 1 nearly 

 lost my life, 13eing in the village (or " township") of Mount 



B , and having a bad attack of neuralgia, I went to a 



" chemist," who prescribed and gave me a bottle of medicine, 

 saying it was something " strongish," which would soon 



