Chapter II
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
LEAVING Albany by the mail steamer, three days are occupied in crossing that portion of the Southern Ocean which is known as the Great Australian Bight; three days, usually, of bright sun, leaping porpoises, and stiff breezes. The Leeuwin, just behind us, is known to old travellers as one of the most unpleasant corners in the world. The landing in South Australia is effected at Largs Bay, whence a run of half an hour by rail brings one to Adelaide, the capital city of the colony, known sometimes as the city of churches. I may say at once that the name South Australia is not at all an appropriate one, for the colony does not occupy the southernmost portion of the continent, and its territory stretches right away to the Gulf of Carpentaria on the north. This nomenclature is very misleading to residents in Great Britain, and the most ludicrous mistakes are made in the addresses of letters intended for the various colonies. Thus, letters come to Australia addressed, "Melbourne, Victoria, near Sydney, South Australia," which is just about as correct as would be the address, "London, England, near Paris, Ireland."
The frontage, so to speak, of Adelaide to the sea is distinctly sandy and torrid; and would be even more desolate in appearance, if that were possible, than the coasts of Western Australia. But the city proper is situated on the Torrens River, about seven miles inland.
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