Synopses & Reviews
In 1852 William Howitt (1792-1879) set sail for Australia with two of his sons in order to try his luck in the goldfields of Victoria. By then he was already a prolifically published author of both prose and verse. He was only moderately successful as a gold-digger, but his account of life in the new colony, published in 1855 after his return to England, provides an extraordinary snapshot of the rapid early growth of Melbourne. Volume 2 considers the effects of the influx of a great number of immigrants and the continuing presence of convicts. Howitt also reflects on government policy and the draft constitution, and describes visits to Sydney and Tasmania. His colourful account includes descriptions of birds and flowers, extreme heat, and how to cope with flies.
Synopsis
This 1855 publication describes Howitt's colourful experiences in Melbourne and the goldfields during the 1850s Australian gold rush.
Synopsis
In 1852, William Howitt arrived in Melbourne, the new and burgeoning capital of Victoria, and headed for the Australian goldfields. His lively description of the growing city, the huge numbers of prospectors and profiteers, and the hardships of travel and mining, was published in 1855 after his return to London.
Table of Contents
23. Triumph of the diggers on the license question; 24. Murderous adventures of two convicts; 25. Tomming out White Hill Stuff; 26. Project another visit to the Ovens country; 27. On our journey; 28. Beautiful birds and flowers; 29. Thermometer at 139 degrees; 30. Better class of diggers; 31. At our old creek; 32. Sluicing; 33. Bendigo races; 34. Forest Creek; 35. Serious thoughts inspired by extent of gold-field already exhausted; 36. Journey to Ballarat; 37. The great basin of Ballarat; 38. Journey through a rich country; 39. Wonderful growth of Melbourne during one year's absence; 40. Sydney; 41. Van Diemen's Land; 42. Journey to Hobart Town; XLIII. Conclusion.