aroundworldortra00peebiala-1

CHAPTER V.
AUSTRALIA.
Sydney, noted fov its beautiful harbor and magnificent
scenery, is far less American, say travelers, than Melbourne.
It was in April, 1770, that Capt. Cook, on a voyage of
discovery in the southern seas, entered a haven near Port
Jackson, to which he gave the name of Botany Bay, in
honor of Dr. Solander, an eminent Swedish botanist accompanying
him. The settlement started encouragingly, and
for a time was made a* depot for English criminals. But,
the harbor proving unsafe, the site for a city was thought
ineligible. Subsequent cruising in the vicinity discovered,
thi'ough an inlet called Port Jackson, a commodious and most
magnificent harbor. Soon a canvas tent was erected, and
sites for buildings marked out. The fleet speedily removed
from Botany Bay, ten miles distant, tothis port, now named
Sydney.
The parks, recreation grounds, and botanic gardens are
among the first places of resort to which strangers direct
their steps. These gardens are clothed with plants and flowers
from every known part of the world. They comprise
about forty acres, sloping down to and fringing the harbor.
Tropical foliage and fruitage gladden the eye. Oranges do
well. The trip to Parramatta, some fifteen miles from Sydney,
is delightful. It can be reached by road, rail, or water.
Oranges, lemons, apple, pear, loquat, apricot, peach, and
other excellent fi'uits, together with extensive vineyards
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