Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/19

 THE

AUSTRALIAN EMIGRANT.

CHAPTER I.

dozen years since the desire for emigrating to Australia in preference to America began to be felt and acted upon by the energetic and restless portions of our population, whom nature seems to have designed to become the pioneers of civilization in distant lands. Whilst the greater number of those who left England for our Australian Empire, about the time of which we write, were of the working orders, and travelled as much from necessity as choice; they were accompanied by some who had filled other and better positions, but who, beaten by calamities, disappointments, and reverses, or moved by a speculative spirit, sought in the active employments incidental to a Bushman's life, oblivion of their past failures, or a fresh and promising field for the occupation of their energies. To the colonists, the mechanics and labourers were the most acceptable classes. Their skill and perseverance presented the ready means by which the natural capabilities and the inactive wealth of the country could be brought into operation.

Amongst some to whom Australia Felix, now known as Victoria, presented but moderate elements of success, were those who had passed a sufficient portion of their lives surrounded by the comforts of an English home, to establish habits and induce