CH. I.] DEPARrURE FROM SYDNEY. 5 



dolite, and other instruments necessary for the exploratory 

 journey ; I collected in haste a few articles of personal 

 equipment, and having as well as I could, under the circum- 

 stances, set my house in order, I hade adieu to my family, 

 and left Sydney at noon, on Thursday, the 24th day of No- 

 vemher, 1831, being accompanied for some miles by my 

 friend Colonel Snodgrass. 



It was not until then, that my mind was sufficiently re- 

 lieved from considering the details of my department, to 

 enable me to direct my thoughts to the undiscovered country. 

 I had yet to traverse 300 miles, for to that distance from 

 Sydney the flocks of the colonists extended, before I could 

 reach the vast untrodden soil, the exploration of which was 

 the object of my mission. I felt the ardour of my early 

 youth, when I first sought distinction in the crowded camp 

 and battle-field, revive, as I gave loose to my reflections and 

 considered the nature of the enterprise. But, in comparing 

 the feelings I then experienced with those which excited my 

 youthful ambition, it seemed that even war and victory, with 

 all their glory, were far less alluring than the pursuit of 

 researches such as these ; the objects of which were to spread 

 the light of civilization over a portion of the globe yet un- 

 known, though rich, perhaps, in the luxuriance of unculti- 

 vated nature, and where science might accomplish new and 

 unthought-of discoveries ; while intelligent man would find 

 a region teeming with useful vegetation, abounding with 

 rivers, hills, and vallies, and waiting only for his enterpris- 

 ing spirit and improving hand to turn to account the native 

 bounty of the soil. 



My first day's journey, terminated near Paramatta, 

 at the residence of INIr. John Macarthur. I was received 

 by that gentleman with his usual hospitality, and although 

 not in the enjoyment of the best health, he insisted on 

 accompanying me over his extensive and beautiful garden, 

 where he pointed out to my attention, the first olive-tree ever 

 planted in Australia. Here I also saw the cork-tree in full 



