ADVERTISEMENT, BY THE AMERICAN PUBLISHERS. THE discovery of immense, and apparently exhaustless goldfields in Australia, has produced a magical effect upon the restless enterprise of our people; and thousands upon thousands are flocking to the far-off Island Continent. Hitherto little has been known in this country of that immense and interesting region - embracing an area larger than the whole of Europe and the importance with which it has become suddenly invested, has created a general and just desire for reliable information respecting it. The sources of such information are not as fully open to American as to English writers; and we have therefore chosen to avail ourselves of a recent, and very full and accurate work from the latter source. THE THREE COLONIES OF AUSTRALIA, just prepared by Samuel Sidney, Esq., who had access to the most reliable data, furnishes information equally opportune, interesting and authentic, upon almost every topic which may become the subject of legitimate inquiry. To the emigrant, the work will, it is believed, furnish a safe and full guide; and, to those desiring information respecting one of the most interesting regions of the globe, abundant sat isfaction. CONTENTS. PAGE Introduction - First discoverers-Spaniards-Dutch-Eng- lish-French-1520-1605- Quiros-Torres - Tasman- GOVERNOR PHILLIP TO GOVERNOR KING—1778 TO 1806. Bligh of the Bounty - His brutality-M'Arthur-Founder of Australian wool trade-Bligh attempts to Crush M'Ar- Governor Brisbane and Governor Darling - Charter of Justice granted - Executive Council appointed - Discoveries of Brisbane River, Pandora's Pass, Overland Route to Port Sir Richard Bourke - Religious equality established by Church and School Act Regulations for assignment of convicts- Step towards abolishing Transportation-Squatting regula- tions systematized —Summary of changes in Land System from 1788 to 1831—Origin of Wakefield's colonization bub- bles - Foundation of new Colonies of Port Phillip, Australia, 96 Origin of discontent of the Colonists-The revenue-Pasto- ral interest-Land sales - Crown patronage - Emigration |