Those engaged in pastoral, commercial, or manufacturing pursuits, will admit that in these days of financial operations of magnitude, involving an acquaintance with the manners, customs, and requirements of the different peoples of the earth, such a knowledge, and the wisdom necessary to the proper and successful use of that knowledge, is best obtained by travel.

Facts so obtained never leave the memory.

Many Australian parents have long ago made this discovery; and heads of families would gladly give their sons this advantage if the dangers inseparable from inexperience could be reduced to a minimum.

Young men in after life will reap the full benefit of a visit to Europe, in the greater enjoyment and the better grasp of the work to which education most properly bends the mind and attention.

As population increases and wealth accumulates, no one's education will be considered complete without a visit to the Old World, the hallowed cradle of modern civilisation and intellectual development. page 4 "There can be no more vivifying influence on the expanding mind of the young, no more certain means of instilling a living, active interest in life and work than the personal, if brief, sojourn of the young Australian among the people and scenes with which life and work deals."

Travel also effects a world of good in re-establishing health or restoring the balance of the nervous system.

Therefore, with this view I purpose starting from Sydney for New Zealand, via Melbourne, calling at the ports of Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Napier; from whence we should start overland to the Hot Springs and marvellous Terraces, "the Wonderland" of this hemisphere.

The extraordinary recuperative properties of these springs, both for body and mind, will shortly render them a general resort for invalids as well as pleasure-seekers, and they are far too important to be missed.

Arriving at Auckland, a beautiful little city, with its lovely harbour and hospitable inhabitants, we should remain a day. Sydney harbour is more commodious and picturesque, but Auckland harbour, seen from the top of Mount Eden, an extinct volcano, is very beautiful and striking.

Here we should take the San Francisco mail boat for Honolulu. This neat little town, including the King's palace, and the Pali, a steep, rocky defile, are soon seen.

Steaming from here, we should make San Francisco, the Golden City. The discovery of gold in 1849 commenced the development of what was then a small town, into what is now a large, increasing city, with over 350,000 inhabitants. Every nation in the world seem to have representatives here, and it is well worth spending a day or two among the most cosmopolitan surroundings, and visiting some of the places of interest in the neighbourhood.

The next place would be the charming valley of Yosemite—where Nature herself invites our admiration—which, with its towering cliffs, grand waterfalls, and sublime beauty, must page 5 be seen to be appreciated. If desirable, a little shooting could be indulged in; though, since the writer was there "with Octavius Stone, Esq., one of the Royal Geographical Society's explorers of New Guinea," game has become very scarce. This lovely valley is 4000 feet above the level of the sea. Its splendid pine vegetation and its bracing and rejuvenescent air seem to impart extra life to all, whether travelling for health or pleasure.

Those who have seen the big trees on the Black Spur, in Victoria, will not be surprised at the big trees of California, which we pass on our return through the immense Californian wheat fields, each some twenty miles in extent, or more, and continue our journey as far as Salt Lake City.

A day or two could be usefully spent in seeing the city, the lake, and the Mormons, of whom it is estimated that 70 per cent, are farmers. These very extraordinary people are the subduers of the most sterile portion of the United States, and are reclaiming thousands of acres annually from the desert.

Passing onward to Omaha, and over the immense tracts of land under maize, we reach Chicago. Here we might see some of the interesting industries of this new city. A great deal of information might be obtained which would be useful in after life to anyone in this country, especially those from the farming district of Illawarra, &c.

Going via Detroit to the wonderful Falls of Niagara, famous for its gigantic volume of water and splendour rather than for its height. The stately grandeur of such scenery, while awe-inspiring, is most useful in the education of the soul, speaking to it loudly of its divine origin, and awakening those finer emotions of our nature which unite it to the infinite. Such impressions are never lost, and tend to make us better men and better women.

We should journey direct to Quebec, and come down the majestic and world-renowned river, St. Lawrence, calling at the most noted Canadian towns, and visiting the seat of Government.

We should then pass through some very lovely lake scenery. Lakes Champlain and George to Saratoga, the most fashionable inland watering-place in the States, figuratively speaking the "Rotten Row" of America.

At Albany we join the Hudson River, and among other places of interest we pass the residence of Washington Irving, the most polished author of his day, on our way to New York.

Being tolerably well-known at New York and in the States generally, I should have a Government permit to inspect and visit places of public interest and importance.

From New York we should have to take a run to Philadelphia and back, the noted Quaker city, where there is much to learn. It also has the most complete and extensive sanitary arrangements yet entered into by any municipality. These are worthy of attention.

Then we should take the most convenient and best found steam route to London, too well known to need any description.

Once in England, our plans would have to be further arranged according to the weather.

One South Coast and West trip, bringing in Brighton, the Isle of Wight, and Devonshire.

A trip to Ireland, where we should see the most beautiful lake scenery in the Emerald Isle, taking in Cork, Bandon, Drincoleague, by car to Glengariffe, Kenmare, Killarney, Mallow, and Dublin.

The next tour would take in Cambridge, the noble seat of learning, with its colleges and associations, its river Cam, boat race contests, and beautiful avenues of trees, under which many of our great and good men have walked, hoped, studied and prayed, forming noble characters, which have subsequently left their mark for good upon society.

To Ely, Peterbro', Lincoln, and York Cathedrals.

Thence through the northern counties, skipping the Black Country, to Cumberland, a noble county and as noble a people, the nursing ground of many a self-made London merchant, and many pious, healthy women and poets. Windemere steamer to Ambleside, coach to Keswick, Ulswater steamer length of lake, and rail to Carlisle.

Thence to Melrose and the splendid city of Edinburgh, by far the most handsome city in Britain, through the Trossachs to Glasgow.

Returning now to London, we should on our way spend a fortnight at Grantham, in Lincolnshire, where we shall be within easy distance of three packs of hounds.

A drive would bring us, among other interesting places, to Belvoir Castle, the noted seat of the Duke of Rutland. The Dukeries, Sherwood Forest (the scene of Robin Hood's adventures), Newsted Abbey (where Byron lived), Southwell Cathedral, and the room where King Charles slept the night before he was handed over to the English. Newark Castle, where he was first imprisoned, and where King John died. Gunderby Moor, and Staunton Hall, described in the touching tale by Sir Walter Scott—"The Heart of Midlothian," &c.

The Continent of Europe.

We should leave England, via Newhaven, to Dieppe and Rouen, up the Seine to Paris. I prefer this route on account of the scenery, which is infinitely more beautiful than on any other.

At Paris we should remain some little time, the city where art, at least modern art, has reached its highest perfection.

We should then journey by train to Lyons, the seat of the French silk trade, then to Marseilles, Nice, and Monaco.

We should stay a day or two at picturesque Genoa, on the sacred soil of Italy, the most beautiful "Sunny South" in the world.

Thence to Pisa, with its wonderful leaning tower; and Florence, where there is so much to see.

We should then visit

Rome.

Now we have reached the one-time capital and wonder of the world, the city on seven hills, always a wonder, and still the admiration and paradise of sculptors, artists, &c.

So stupendous the centre, and so varied, from which radiates in every direction, from pole to pole, from East to West, the great Catholic influence. Here the places of interest and charm, like nothing else in the world, are so numerous that there is every temptation during a short stay to do too much. Even the environs are full of beauty, and we should not omit a few rides or drives into the Campagna.

If there are now any members of the party who wish, they could be presented to His Holiness Leo XIII., as I possess the requisite introduction to secure this favour through the Bishop of the English Catholic College.

Passing further South we come to Naples (Vesuvius), and, at the end of a fourteen-mile drive, to Pompeii, the city of the dead past, of 1800 years, visiting scenes that were in full life when Christ was upon the earth.

The beautiful, very beautiful, little island of Capri ought then to be seen. This is generally missed by tourists.

Retracing our steps as far as Florence, this is the only instance of our going over the same ground. Thence to Bologna, Padua, Venice, Verona, Milan, from whence we command a beautiful view of the Alps, and through the St. Gothard Tunnel to Chamounix and Geneva. The particulars of this tunnel prove it to be the most wonderful engineering enterprise that the world has ever seen completed.

Steaming up the Lake of Geneva to Lausanne, by rail to Fribourg, we reach the capital of Switzerland, Berne.

From here to Lake Thun, to Giesback (waterfall), and Interlaken. Lake Brienz, coach to Lucerne and see the page 9 lake, Rigi, Altorf, and, in fact, all the interesting places near Lake Lucerne, including the scene of William Tell's adventure, of ancient story.

After visiting Zurich, the commercial centre of Switzerland, and Constance, we change our mode of travelling, down the well-sung Rhine by boat, as far as Schaffhausen.

Then we vary our scene by a drive through the Black Forest to Strasburg, on to Heidelburg and Frankfort.

Here we join another beautiful part of the Rhine, going to Cologne by water.

Taking the train to Aix la Chapelle, we leave Germany, and cross the Belgian frontier, passing Liege, to the beautiful town of Brussels. It's a pleasant drive from here to the field of Waterloo, the scene of the battle which decided the fate of freedom in the commencement of this century.

We then return to London via Antwerp, Ostend, or Rotterdam, as the majority wished, there being something to see in each route.

Reuben's masterpieces, the "Crucifixion," and the "Descent from the Cross," are well worth the journey to Antwerp.

Unless otherwise arranged, we should take steamer for Sydney, touching at Gibraltar, Malta, Port Said, Aden, Ceylon, &c. Each member of the party during our stay would be afforded opportunities for breaking his journey to visit any British friends or any special locality.

I calculate that this trip would cover a period from Nine to Ten Months, and that the whole Cost would be about £700 each. This sum would have to be guaranteed, or placed at my disposal by circular note through the Union Bank, Sydney, before we started.

I do not anticipate it would cost less; but if so, the balance would be returned.

My remuneration would be £100 from each, in the form of a promissory note, lodged with the Union Bank in Sydney, and payable to my account in nine months.

Naturally, you will ask what do I offer in exchange for this.

I offer to assume the entire personal responsibility over my charges and companions, for their welfare and enjoyment. Their interest will be studied as my own. They will have the benefit of the experience of a much travelled man of known repute (see letters), and run none of those risks so often encountered by young men travelling alone.

They would be relieved of all business arrangements; as I should organise all trips, pay all travelling, hotel, and other expenses.

There would be a reasonable amount of economy, and any reduction in fares would be for the benefit of the whole party. No commissions of any kind to go into my pocket.

My own expenses, and my experienced man servant's, would have to be paid out of the general fund.

Baggage.—Allowance only 250 lbs. for through passengers; therefore, no one must take more, as the extra charge is very high.

Clothing.—Each will require a change of cloth clothes, shirts, shoes or boots, slippers, six socks at least, great coat or travelling rug; in fact, the ordinary changes in domestic use to which he has been accustomed. But all must be page 11 packed into one medium-sized portmanteau and a hand-bag. All these things can be purchased so cheaply as we go along, that it is quite unnecessary to carry clothing for the trip right through.

The idea of extensive travel is not new, and is an education in itself. By this agency a sound practical knowledge of the world, places, and people, differing wholly one from another, is acquired, not to be obtained in any other way.

In the old country sons of gentlemen, before they come of age, or settle down to business pursuits, complete a tour in foreign countries, and now often visit these colonies.

The number is limited to seven (unless there should be brothers or friends, but certainly not over ten in any case), and all minor details can be settled by a personal interview or correspondence.

As a much greater number will apply, and berths must be secured by the Pacific Mail Steamship Co. a month before leaving, an early communication is requested, giving particulars as to age, See., and a bank or other reference in Sydney, if possible.

I have been kindly permitted to refer to the attached list of gentlemen as to my worthiness to be intrusted with the care of the undertaking, and therefore herewith give some letters and extracts out of a few of the very kind communications I have received, which I particularly request you to read. Many of them are well known to the residents of this and other colonies.

Malcolm M. Irving.

English References.

Broomhall, J., Esq., J.P., County Surrey, Adelaide-place, London. Director United Kingdom General Temperance Provident Insurance Company.

Broomhall, Edward, Esq., East India Broker, 134 Fenchurch-street, London.

Bridger, A. E., Esq., M.D., &c., Walterton-road, London, W.

Blanchard, E. L., Esq., Editor London "Era," &c., &C., 6 Adelphi-terrace, London, W.C.

Bell George, Esq., Carruthers, Dumfries.

Burroughs, S. M., Esq., Merchant, Snow-hill, London, E.C.

Clerke, Colonel Shadwell, R.A., 33 Golden-square, London, W.

Duncan, Walter D., Esq., G Cleaveland-row, London, S.W.

Ellis, J. Shipley, Esq., Jun., Knighton-hall, Leicester.

Fitch, Colonel, U. States Army, Ashford, England.

Gill, W. Batteshell, Esq., M.D., &c., Cambridge-terrace, Regent's Park, London.

Halls, Reverend George, M.A., Clent Vicarage, Worcestershire.

Irving, Charles, Esq., Late House Surgeon and Physician St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Surgeon Cypress Pioneers, &c., and House Surgeon Great Northern Hospital, London, Bennington, Grantham.

Jones, William, Esq., Merchant, Basinghall-street and Teddington, London.

Lester, W. H., Esq., Dudley-hill, Bradford, Yorks.

Mawson, M., Esq., H.M. Customs, London.

Pinhorne, Stanley H., Esq., Oxley Manor, Wolverhampton.

Taylor, Frederick, Esq., M.D., Physician to Guy's Hospital, St. Thomas-street, London.

Whitfeld, George, Esq., J.P., Sussex, The Bank, Lewes, and Hamsey House, Sussex, England.

Walker, A. W., Esq., New University Club, St. James-street, London, S.W.

Watson, H. T., Esq., Meadow Bank, Farnham, Surrey.

Wyman, John S., Esq., M.D., London, &c., 22 Nottingham-place, London, W.

Foreign References.

A. S. Murray, Esq., Manager South British Insurance Company, Calcutta.

J. F. Geary, Esq., M.D., 632 Howard-street, San Francisco.

P. Morel, Esq., 29 Rue de Crèqui, Lyons.

William Reid, Esq., Banker, &c., Portland, Oregon.

Robert Young, Esq., Hamilton, Canada.

New Zealand References.

Sir Fredk. Whitaker, K.C.M.G., Late Premier and Attorney-General of New Zealand, Auckland.

Hon. Robert Stout, Premier of New Zealand, Wellington and Dunedin.

Major-General J. Stoddard, R.A., Onehunga, Auckland.

Capt. E. S. Babot, late Commander ship "Hydaspes," Shaw, Saville & Co.'s Agent, and Agent for Albion Co., &c., for New Zealand, Wellington.

James Mills, Esq., General Manager Union Steamship Co. of New Zealand, Dunedin.

Geo. Patrick Pierce, Esq., J.P., General Manager New Zealand Insurance Co.

District Grand Master of Freemasons, I.C., Auckland.

Geo. S. Graham, Esq., Director Government Life Insurance of New Zealand. Late General Manager Colonial Insurance Co. Formerly Inspector of the Norwich Union Fire Society. District Grand Master of Freemasons, E.C., Auckland. Chairman Fire Marine Underwriters' Association, &c., Wellington.

A. Hill Jack, Esq., General Manager National Insurance Co. of New Zealand Dunedin.

Geo. Johnston, Esq., General Manager South British Insurance Co., Auckland.

Dr. Grabham, Government Inspector of Hospitals, Asylums, &c., Wellington.

William Deamer, Esq., M.D., &c. Deputy District Grand Master of Freemasons, E.C., and 33 London, Christchurch.

James Irving, M.D., Edinburgh, M.R.C.S., London. M.D., New Zealand University, Cambridge-terrace, Christchurch.

W. Watt, Esq., M.H.R., Wanganui.

Joseph Hatch, Esq., M.H.R.. Invercargill.

J. A. Bonar, Esq., M.H.R., &c., Hokitika.

R. Browning, Esq, Auckland.

Hon. Ernest E. Townshend, Ponsonby, Auckland.

Edward Chapman, Esq., Spring Bank, Rangiora, Canterbury.

Robert Paterson, J.P., &c., Dunedin.

John Mcbeth, Esq., J.P., Dunsinane, Marton.

Capt. Wheeler, S.S. "Wakatipu," Dunedin.

Capt. Edie, S.S. "Waihora," Dunedin.

Australian References.

Hon. William Bede Dalley, Q.C., Attorney-General, Acting Colonial Secretary of New South Wales.

James Coles Ellis, Esq., M.L.C., Acting Vice-Consul for Spain, &c., Newcastle, and George-street, Sydney.

E. C. Cracknell, Esq., Superintendent of Telegraphs for New South Wales. Major Commanding Torpedo and Signalling Corps, Edgecliff-road, Sydney.

Reverend A. C. S. Minton Senhouse, Curate in charge St. Albans Anglican Church, Muswellbrook.

Eustace H. L. Pratt, Esq., M.D., &c., Tainworth.

Frederick Wadham, Esq., F.R.C.S., Redmyre.

Evan Prosser, Esq., O'Connell-street and Darling-point, Sydney.

Alfred Felton, Esq., Messrs. Felton, Grimwade & Co., Flinders-lane, Melbourne.

J. E. Pounds, Esq., formerly Manager Union Bank, Auckland, &c., Kew, Melbourne.

John Storey Jamieson, Esq., J.P., Messrs. Prince, Ogg & Co., Sydney.

S. Hague Smith, Esq., Manager New Zealand Insurance Co., Pitt-street, Sydney.

W. A. Gibb, Esq., Manager National Insurance Company, Bridge-street, Sydney.

Gilderoy Wills Griffin, Esq., J.P., United States Consul, Sydney.

Ernest W. Moon, Esq., J.P., Consul-General in Australia, Republic Costa Rica, Central America, &c., Macquarie-place, Sydney.

C. W. Readett, Esq., Solicitor, &c., Sydney.

E. G. W. Palmer, Esq., Secretary Civil Service Board, Phillip-street, Sydney, and Burwood.

Capt. Cargill, late Commander S.S. "Australia," &c., Market-street, Sydney, and Redmyre.

David Mills, Esq., Manager Union S.S. Company of New Zealand, Melbourne.

Andrew Macfarlane, Esq., Booligal, Trelangerin, Hay, N.S.W., and Australian Club, Melbourne.

Robert J. Davidson, Esq., Australian Mutual Provident Society, Pitt-street, Sydney.

Dr. Power, Surgeon, &c., West Maitland.

James B. Crabbe, Esq., M.D., J.P., &c., Maclean, Clarence River.

Samuel Nasmith, Esq., Bank of New South Wales, Sydney.

Capt. Trouton, Manager A.S.N. Co., Sydney.

J. Randall Mann, Esq., C.E., Hergot Springs, South Australia.

English.

My Dear Irving,—It is with very great pleasure that I bear testimony to your ability to carry out your proposed trip for the sons of New South Welsh-men. From your career, connections, and acquaintance with the countries you mention, those under your care will be exceedingly fortunate in securing your services. The moral tone of your past life induces me to say, after knowing you for over twenty years, that no young gentleman could secure a better friend and more prudent counsellor. I am confident you will endeavour to point out the study of the higher interests of life in travel, and thus follow in the steps of your eminent father, Dr. William Bell Irving. With kindest regards, believe me always, yours sincerely,

Extract from Colonel Fitchs Letter.—"I have travelled many countries with you and your late brother-in-law, much to my advantage Your courteous attention to my family during severe illness abroad, and the general tone of your life and conversation, render it a pleasure to me to state that I could not think more highly or respect you more than I do."

New Zealand.

My Dear Sir,—I wish you success in your proposed undertaking to visit Europe, America, &c. The trip you sketch out in your letter to me is a very interesting one, and I have no doubt that you will be able to manage it with satisfaction to those who will accompany you. If you think that my name, as a referee, will be of any use to you, you are quite at liberty to use it.

My Dear Irving,—I consider your plan of taking a few young gentlemen on a tour to America and Europe an excellent one. It would greatly benefit them to see the world. I think, indeed I am sure, they could not have a better guide and companion than yourself. I hope you will succeed. I will write my nephew in New South Wales to call upon you. Of course you can refer page 17 to me if it will help on your plans. As already said, I am sure you will be an excellent mentor to anyone committed to your charge. Wishing you success and all the compliments of the season, believe me, yours sincerely,

Dear Sir,—I wish you every success in your projected tour. Should you desire to refer anyone to me, I shall be very pleased to assure them that my knowledge of you from many years' residence here, gives me every confidence in believing that you will carry out such a tour as you propose with credit to yourself and pleasure to your charges. Wishing you every success in your undertaking, I am, yours faithfully,

Dear Mr. Irving,—I have the pleasure to own receipt of yours, dated 20th ultimo; and note your intention to visit the Old Country.

In doing so, I feel sure whatever obligations you undertake will be honourably fulfilled to the satisfaction of all concerned; as such, if my name will be of use to you as a reference, you have full permission to use it.

Trusting you will be successful in forming a party, have a pleasant visit home, and safe return, I am, dear Mr. Irving, yours faithfully,

My Dear Irving,—Your letter dated December 19 just received; and if you get your team together, I feel sure you will succeed in making it a very enjoyable trip for those who go with you, and it ought to be profitable to yourself. You are at liberty to use my name in any way that it will serve your present purpose; and hoping to see you before you leave these shores,

My Dear Malcolm,—I sincerely trust you will succeed in getting together suitable companions for your trip; and that with your many amiable qualities you will be able to manage, so that all will feel happy and enjoy page 18 themselves. Of your ability, &c., of course there is no doubt. Being relations, I can hardly write what I could say with truth of you to others. I shall be glad to reply to anyone writing to me, or serve you in any way I can. Can I forward your views here?

Dear Sir,—Having been well acquainted with you during the last eight years or more, thus being able to form an opinion of your integrity and aptitude for carrying out successfully such an undertaking as you propose, I have great pleasure in testifying to that, and sincerely hope that you will be able to conduct the same to a successful issue.

I hope to be able to visit the Home Country myself in 1886, and most likely my son will go with me; otherwise I should most certainly put him under your care.—With kind regards I remain, dear Sir, yours truly,

My Dear Irving,—You may certainly add my name to your list of referees, if you think fit. I am quite sure that whoever is lucky enough to take part in the tour you anticipate, will not only enjoy themselves, but, if they like to be interested in what I know you will take the trouble to point out in your travels in the countries named, they will also find it very instructive. I am confident that those who would like their sons to see the world in safety, would find it money well laid out; and with you as companion, could not spend it better as a means of education. I say this because it has been my good fortune to know you many years, and we have travelled together. I always found you an amiable and good companion, and I could wish my boy to be with you, were he old enough to go. Trusting you will have a pleasant journey, with kind regards, believe me always, yours sincerely,

My Dear Mr. Irving,—It gave me much pleasure to receive your letter. . . . Referring to your trip to England, the idea is a fine one. Although the care, attention, responsibility is heavy, let me assure you, in the circle of all the men I know, I know of none so well qualified or adapted to the charge of youthful sons of old settlers of the colonies. I trust your venture will be crowned with success. I am quite sure, from many years of friendship, your companions will ever after retain in happy memory the name of Malcolm M. Irving. Should this note or my reference be of any service to your undertaking, I shall only be too happy. Meantime, wishing you the best, remain, my dear Mr. Irving, yours sincerely,

Australian.

My Dear Sir,—Having had the pleasure of an introduction to you from my friend, Mr. Readett, and heard of your scheme to visit Europe and America in charge of a number of youths upon a semi-educational tour, permit me to wish you every success in your somewhat novel undertaking.

Should you refer anyone to me, I shall, upon the strength of Mr. Readett's introduction and the letters you have shown me, have much pleasure in advocating your scheme; and shall be glad to hear of your success in organising it.

Dear Mr. Irving,—I am glad to hear of your proposed undertaking. It will be a capital opportunity for gentlemen's sons to obtain a knowledge of the world; and I am sure they could not be entrusted to better care than yours, whose example and influence would be as beneficial in one way as the tour would be in another. Hoping you will meet with the success you deserve, I am, your sincere friend,

My Dear Irving,—In one way I am sorry to hear of your trip to England, as I hoped to have had the pleasure of seeing you here again. I trust it will be a pleasant trip to you, and I hope remunerative, although the sum you mention seems very small to me for such a splendid trip, combined with your care and instructive and interesting companionship. You are quite welcome to use my name in any way you like, or to refer anyone to me, as I formed a very high opinion of you, and consider that the parents will be lucky who can give their sons such a trip under your care. With very kind regards, I am, my dear Irving, yours very faithfully,

Dear Sir,—In reply to your request, I am glad to be able to say that I think anyone visiting New Zealand, America, and Europe under your guidance will be very fortunate. You are well acquainted with these countries, and competent to make the tour agreeable and interesting.

I have known you since your first visit to the Colonies, now nearly fifteen years, and from time to time have had you in my employment.

You have recently been in America and Europe, and since you have been in N. S. Wales have filled an important position in my establishment, which you resigned in consequence of domestic affairs. I shall be happy to supply any particulars as to your ability, family, or financial position, personally or through my Manager, Mr. O'Keefe, to the parents or friends of anyone who accompanies you.—Wishing you success, yours truly,

My Dear Irving,—YOU can use my name as a reference, and I should think you would make an admirable cicerone Compliments of the season from yours truly,

Dear Irving,—I regret very much that you are not as well known in New South Wales as you are in New Zealand, as I think you should receive the support of all those who have the welfare of our growing youth at heart.

Your cheerful disposition and firmly settled opinions have, to my certain knowledge, caused your advice to be asked and acted upon by many a young New Zealander, and I know of no one better qualified to pilot a company through such a trip as you purpose to take than yourself.

Wishing you every success, I remain, yours sincerely,

My Dear Sir,—I am very glad to be able to pay you the compliment, and that no empty one, that I know of none of my acquaintance with the practical business ability so fitted to be trusted with the responsibilities of the trip you propose as yourself.

Your companions will be very fortunate in having your society. You can refer to me in any way you like, having known you for some eight years.

With kind regards, I am, yours truly,

Dear Irving,—Having heard that you contemplate a pleasure trip to the Old Country, taking with you several young gentlemen under your supervision, with the object of sight-seeing, coupled with the advantage of the page 21 benefits of travelling and expanding the mental faculties, it gives me great pleasure to state that, from my personal acquaintance, I know nobody more gifted to carry out a scheme of that nature better than yourself.

Should I be of any value to you as to references, let me know, and I will do what I can.

The Hon. W. B. Dalley, now Acting Premier of the Colony, will give you a letter if necessary.

Wishing you every success and a pleasant trip, yours very truly,

Dear Sir,—If my name can be of any use to you, I shall be glad to have it amongst your referees. Hoping you may be successful, I remain, yours truly,

My Dear Sir,—I shall be only too glad to be referred to by anyone on the subject of your letter, viz., that of American and Continental travel. Of course you would be a capable and good companion and guide for anyone to have. If you hear of any fortunate "Clarenceite" likely to form one of your party, send him along to me.

With kindest regards, yours truly,

My Dear Sir,—I read with much interest the details of your project for a tour through America, Britain, and Europe; and much regret that I have no sons old enough to participate in such an interesting and instructive expedition. From my knowledge of you for so many years past, I can safely say that to any "young fellows" placed under your charge, you will prove a much better "conductor" than any of the leaders of Cook's tours I have ever met. The terms you propose are very moderate; and such an amount so laid out would, in my opinion, be money very well spent.

I am somewhat out of the world up here (Hergott Springs), where I am now Resident Engineer of the Railway to Primrose Springs, a 150-mile section of the Trans-Continental Railway to Port Darwin, else I might be able to find one or two for your company in this colony.

Wishing you success, believe me, yours very truly,

Extracts from Various Letters.

"So much depends on whom a gentleman travels with, whether he reaps any benefit from it, that I do not scruple to say you are specially adapted by temperament and disposition to carry out successfully the trip you propose. I think you have named a sum rather too low, as I always found I had to allow a day all round."

A temperance friend writes :—"You know my views, and I hope you will discourage drinking all you can. Although you are practically a total abstainer, still you will have some difficulty in influencing seven or eight young Colonials."

A wealthy New Zealand friend says :—You know my dear son, as fine a boy as ever left the colonies, spent £1500 in nine months; spent all his time in London, and returned home in bad health to die, having seen absolutely nothing. I shall always blame myself for letting him go alone."

A minister of religion writes :—"I trust you will insist on the due observance of Sunday; don't travel on that day if possible, but keep it as your Anglican Church training teaches you. With the blessing of one who has known you from boyhood," &c.