ASTRONOMY
FOR
YOUNG AUSTRALIANS.
BY
JAMES BONWICK, F.R.G.S.,
AUTHOR OF “GEOGRAPHY OF AUSTRALIA,” ETC., ETC.
MELBOURNE:
PUBLISHED BY SAMUEL MULLEN,
COLLINS STREET EAST.
1866.
PREFACE
TO
SECOND EDITION.
A cheap edition of the “Astronomy for YoungAustralians” having been desired, to meet therequirements of the Public Schools of thecolonies, Mr. Bonwick respectfully submits thepresent issue to the favourable attention ofTeachers.
St. Kilda,
November 1, 1866.
ASTRONOMY
FOR
YOUNG AUSTRALIANS.
A Fine ship was buffeting the waves, like astrong swimmer in his sport. The cloudsdashed wildly to and fro, but left many widespaces of blue to be dotted with stars. Thesea was in high spirits, throwing up spray, asif to quench the bright lights that looked downso kindly upon it.
The vessel quite enjoyed the fun, and herprow bobbed in the current, and gathered upthe foam to send it flying up the rigging, orleave it hissing and fuming by her sides. Howskittish she was this evening, as the light cloudsran over her head, and the wind puffed herlaughingly along! She was young and strong.Her timbers were tight; and her yards wellbraced. She had just left port, painted andclean, with a new suit of sails, and her copperas bright as a fresh-coined penny.
And where was she going? Laden with thetreasures of English cotton and woollen mills,of iron-works, and other industries, she wasaway to the far-off land of Australia, on theother side of the round globe.
And whom had she got on board? There[Pg 4]were sailors to manage the merry ship; therewere passengers, going from the white cliffs ofold England, to dwell in the gum forests ofthe kangaroo home.
As the shore of Britain melted away in thedistance, men and women hung over the bulwarks,dreaming of sweet vales they leftbehind, and sighing deeply as they thought ofloved ones there. How long would it bebefore they saw those vales again, or smiledwith friends beside that hearth of love!
The love of one’s country, as the land of ourfriends, the joy of freedom, the defence of theright and true, is a duty as well as a delight.And those born in the new land of Australiashould cherish so beautiful and healthful ahome, and help to make it happy in the virtuesof its people.
One little intelligent fellow, about ten yearsold, hung closely against his mother’s dress,and caught hold of his father’s hand. Jamesknew his parents must feel sad at leaving dearones behind; and he inwardly resolved to be agreat comfort to them now by being a good,loving son.
The last speck of land was gone, and everybody turned round to the ship, preparing tomake that a home. Mr. and Mrs. Marplethought of their only child, for others had beenleft to sleep in a church-yard far away. Hewas their hope and joy. They determined toadd to his happiness, and secure him from theevil