Chapter III
VICTORIA
THE journey from Adelaide to Melbourne, the capital city of the Colony of Victoria, or the Cabbage Garden, as I heard a candid, but, I fear, jealous, Sydney man name it, can be made either by train or steamer; and, as time was an object to me, I chose the former method. The train leaves Adelaide about seven o'clock in the evening, and arrives in Melbourne shortly before noon the next day; the length of the journey being 483 miles, 196 of which are in South Australian territory, and the remainder in Victoria. Sleeping berths were provided, and the trip was most comfortably made. Our colonies are famous for their hospitality, and do not belie their reputation. On my arrival I was presented with a free pass over all the railways, and in many other ways during my visit I had proof of the proverb that a prophet hath least honour in his own country. These free passes, however, are taken quite as a matter of course by Colonial politicians; every sitting member in each of the provincial Parliaments wearing a gold token on his watch-chain, which entitles him to free transit not only over the Government lines of his own colony, but (by courtesy) over those of the whole continent. The privilege was considerably abused at one time, and was even extended to the wives and other connections of the members. During the first few miles of the journey the scenery is very picturesque, for the line climbs the Mount Lofty
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