Character of the Australian continent — of its rivers — peculiarity¹ of the Darling — sudden floods to which it is subject — character of the Murray — its periodical rise — bounty² of providence³ — geological position of the two rivers — observations — results — Sir Thomas Mitchell’s journey to the darling — its junction⁴ with the Murray — anecdote⁵ of Mr. Shannon — Captain Grey’s expedition — Captain Sturt’s journey — Mr. Eyre’s second expedition — voyage of the Beagle — Mr. Oxley’s opinions — state of the interior in 1828 — character of its plains and rivers — junction of the Darling — fossil bed of the Murray — former state of the continent — theory of the interior.

 

The Australian continent is not distinguished⁶, as are many other continents of equal and even of less extent, by any prominent geographical⁷ feature. Its mountains seldom exceed four thousand feet in elevation⁸, nor do any of its rivers, whether falling internally or externally, not even the Murray, bear any proportion to the size of the continent itself. There is no reason, however, why rivers of greater magnitude, than any which have hitherto been discovered in it, should not emanate⁹ from mountains of such limited altitude, as the known mountains of that immense and sea-girt territory. But, it appears to me, it is not in the height and character of its hilly regions, that we are to look for the causes why so few living streams issue from them. The true cause, I

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