Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/536

 50S CHAPTER VIIL Governor Brisb.4jje, When Governor Brisbane arrived (Nov. 1821) the old form of government existed, although its days were doomed. Under sutih cii'ucmstanees he abstained from active innova- tioiiB. lie was fond of science and promoted exploration- He collected astronomical books and instruments, and en- gaged Messrs. C. Eiimker and James Diinlop to act as astro- nomers in the colony. Many observations were made by himself, and in 1835 a catalogue (of 7385 stars) made from observations at Parramatta gave to the world the results of labours during the period, 18*22 to 1826. His observatory was built, and a series of observations was commenced in May 1822. The colony to which he went was no longer cranijied in by rocky fastnesses of the Blue Mountains, but extended to the inviting slopes of the eordillera and the plains beyond them. On the Macqnarie, and beyond the eources of the Hunter river, to Liverpool Plains on the Nammoy watershed, herds of cattle began to roam. But Sir Thomas Brisbane desired to distinj^uish his reign by further discoveries to the south. He consulted Mr* Alexander Berry, of Shoalhaven, who recommended him to enlist the services of Mr. Hamilton Hume, the intrepid youth who had pierced through the forests of Bargo Brush and Sutton Forest, and discovered Goulburn and Breadal- bane Plains. The Governor wished to land a party at Western Port, and let them find then' way to Sydney overhmh Hume dissented from this plan, but Fo/urj Peered to explore oveiTclaud from Lake George J