The valuable facsimiles of rare and ancient maps have been retained, many illustrations have been included in the text, and the story of the explorers has been dealt with at greater length by the author, whose patient antiquarian research, his knowledge of European and Oriental Languages, and his opportunities as a member of several Geographical Societies, have given him unusual facilities for the compilation of a work which may confidently be expected to find its way into every scholastic, public and private library in the Commonwealth.

—­The Publishers.

INTRODUCTION.

The discovery of a continental island like Australia was not a deed that could be performed in a day.  Many years passed away, and many voyages to these shores of ours were undertaken by the leading maritime nations of Europe, before the problematic and mysterious Terra Australis incognita of the ancients became known, even in a summary way, and its insularity and separation from other lands positively established.

We must not be astonished, therefore, at the strange discrepancies that occur in early charts and narratives, for it took time to realize how different portions of our coast lines, which had been sighted from time to time might be connected, and how the gaps might be filled in by fresh discoveries and approximate surveys.

The question as to who first sighted Australia, and placed on record such discovery, either in the shape of map or narrative, will, in all probability, ever remain a mystery.

However, that such a record was made appears evident when we consider certain early charts, follow carefully the testimony which the evolution of Australian cartography affords, and take cognisance of various descriptive passages to be found in old authors.

These passages will be given here in connection with the old charts, and followed up by the narratives of voyages in search of the “Great South Land.”

The numerous maps and illustrations have been carefully selected; they will greatly help the student towards understanding these first pages of the history of Australia.

George Collingridge.

THE FIRST DISCOVERY OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW GUINEA.

CHAPTER I.

In quest of the spice islands.

“And the New South rose with her forehead bare—­
Her forehead hare to meet the smiling sun—­
Australia in her golden panoply;
And far off Empires see her work begun,
And her large hope has compassed every sea.”

  —­Sir Gilbert Parker.

What was the relative position of European nations in the arena of maritime discovery at the beginning of the sixteenth century?

Portugal was then mistress of the sea.