Page:Physical Description of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land.djvu/15

 treme kindness with which I was honoured by the Tasmanian Public; but I may be permitted to state that this testimonial became mainly instrumental in determining me to venture on this present publication of " The Physical Description of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land." This "Description," comprehending the fruits of five years of continual labour, during a tour of 7000 miles, on foot, is divided into eight sections, or parts. The first embraces the history and results of the Marine Surveys of Terra Australis, and the Land Surveys made of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land, to which countries the work refers. The second treats of Terrestrial Magnetism. The third is devoted to Geology and Mineralogy, and furnishes the elements of illustration and reference for the succeeding sections. The fourth treats of Climatology; the fifth of the fossil and existing Flora; and the sixth of the fossil and existing Fauna. In the first subdivision of each of the two last sections will be found the description, determination, and comparison of all the organic remains which afforded geological evidence as to the succession, analogy, or identity of the various formations. The seventh contains notices on the physical, moral, and social state of the Aborigines, and the causes of their decrease. And lastly, section eight, in glancing at the state of the Colonial Agriculture, exhibits what has already been done to turn to account the natural advantages of both countries; and points out what further resources are in store for the application of industry and capital on the part of the Colonists.