TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

 INTBODOCTOBY. 



Introductory The penal laws of 1787 Despatch of the First Fleet The 

 voyage Visit to Eio Janeiro and the Cape of Good Hope Arrival in 

 Australia Coastal exploration by Bass Arrival of the Lady Nelson 

 Discovery of Western Port Bay Flinders and Bass circumnavigate 

 Van Diemen's Land Murray in the Lady Nelson discovers Port- Phillip 

 Takes formal possession of the Port The Investigator, under Captain 

 Flinders, enters Port Phillip The Cumberland despatched from Sydney 

 to survey and report . Pages 1-26 



CHAPTER II. 



THE ABOBTIVE SETTLEMENT OP 1803. 



A convict colony projected for Port Phillip Voyage of the expedition under 

 Captain Collins Landing on the Nepean Peninsula Difficulties in 

 finding satisfactory water supply Troubles in discipline Many convicts 

 abscond Collins reports the situation untenable Reports furnished to 

 the Governor in Sydney Feeble attempts at surveying the district 

 The Governor concurs in the removal of the convicts to Van Diemen's 

 Land Final departure from Port Phillip . . . . Pages 27-46 



CHAPTER III. 

 INTEBMEDIARY EXPLOBATION. 



Lieutenant Oxley ordered to form a settlement at Western Port His visit 

 and adverse report Overland expedition of Hovell and Hume The 

 difficulties incurred at the outset Their quarrels Finally reach Corio 

 Bay Their ungenerous treatment by the Government Government 

 again orders a settlement at Western Port Buildings erected at Settle- 

 ment Point Colonial Office orders its abandonment . . Pages 47-67 



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