reptiles exist in abundance, such as the Centipede, Tarantula,
etc.

Religion.

The religion most generally followed in the colony of New
South Wales, is that established according to the usage of the
Church of England; and it is a subject of satisfaction to observe
that the churches are, generally speaking, well attended. A great
part of the military corps, with their officers, uniformly attend
divine service.--A Roman Catholic priest (the Rev. Mr. Dixon) was
formerly allowed by government to preach in public, but this
indulgence has been subsequently withdrawn from some cause or
other; and I am somewhat inclined to attribute this alteration to
the seditious conduct of the Irish prisoners, some years since,
in which it was proved that another priest (Mr. Harold) bore a
conspicuous part, upholding and encouraging the designs of those
who entertained schemes inimical to the existing government, and
subversive of the welfare of the colony.

Some of the Missionary Society preach at the out-settlements,
frequently on a Sunday, with various success; and it is much to
be lamented, that in the selection of these men, who are sent out
to enlighten and instruct the ignorant, greater attention is not
paid to their qualifications; and the abuses which are practised
under the cloak of religion, in these remote parts of the world,
call loudly for a close investigation, and a total reformation of
the system. That there are amongst these Missionaries men of
strict fidelity, whose hearts are engaged in the task they have
undertaken, and whose conduct has justly gained them the esteem