43 



you plant; and not only so, but it spoileth the plantation, foi' 

 they will ever live like rogues and not fall to work, but be lazy, 

 and do mischief, and spend victuals and be quickly weary, and 

 then certify over to their country to the discredit of the plan- 

 tation." All which thing's were verified in the early history of 

 these Colonies. But Australia " has burst her birth's invidious 

 bar, and grasped the skirts of happy chance ; breasted the 

 blows of circumstance, and grappled with her evil star; has 

 made by force her merit known, and lived to clutch the golden 

 keys." A hundred years growth has now made Australia well 

 nigh a nation ; but as yet it is a nation in die gristle only. 

 When the petty jealousies of the Colonies are laid aside, and 

 when the several States — as we hope may soon be the case — are 

 united in one great Federation, we may feel a perfect confidence 

 that, amongst the children of the old English mother, not. (lie 

 least important will be those dwelling in the island Continent 

 circumnavigated by Tasman two hundred and fifty years ago, 

 who will claim the title of Citizens of the Commonwealth of 

 Australia. 



