Australian Tales

In placing this, the first volume of a cheap series of the miscellaneous

works of the late MARCUS CLARKE before the Public of Australia, I venture

to think that I am not only fulfilling my duty as his Literary Executor,

but am removing a reproach which attaches to that Public in the eyes of

such literary lights as Lord Rosebery, Sir Charles Dilke, "Mark Twain,"

the late Oliver Wendell Holmes and others who have spoken and written in

no stinted phrases as to Marcus Clarke's position in the intellectual

world, and expressed surprise at his works not being more popularly known

among those on whom his genius has shed world-wide renown. To enable

these works to come within the buying power of all classes, this series

is being brought out at a price which no one should cavil about. It is

therefore to be hoped that the people of these "new lands 'cross the

seas" will give an emphatic denial to the old world saying--"a prophet

hath no honour in his own country." In conclusion, grateful thanks are

due to those who have rendered the publication of this book possible by

assisting the author's widow in the very practical manner of advertising

in it; and of these let it be said:

"Cast thy bread upon the waters, for

Thou shalt find it after many days."