corruption that were the distinguishing features of the original element have been gradually lost in the more recent importations of honest and respectable citizens. Apart from the wealth and gayety of Sydney, there is much in its various grades of society to interest the average tourist. The "ticket-of-leave men"--that is, convicts who, having served out a portion of their term and been favorably reported for good conduct, are permitted to go at large and begin life anew--form a distinct class, and exert a widespread influence by their wealth, benevolence and commercial enterprise. [Illustration: ASTROLABE AND ZÉLÉE ON CORAL REEFS.] Very many of the better class are talented and well educated, with the manners and appearance of gentlemen; and in some cases there has been perhaps but the _single_ crime for which they suffered expatriation and disgrace. Such as these, as a rule, conduct themselves with propriety from the moment of being sentenced; never murmur at their work or discipline, be it ever so hard; and probably after a single year of hardship are favorably reported, and permitted to seek or make homes for themselves. Many of them own bank shares and real estate, and some become immensely rich, either by ability or chance good-fortune. The property is their own, but the owners are always watched by those in power, and are liable at any moment to be ordered back to their old positions. These "remanded men" are treated with the greatest severity, and few have sufficient power of endurance to live out even a short term with its increase of rigor and hardship. Yet to the energy and enterprise of the liberated felons is probably due, more than to any other cause, that increase of prosperity which has long since rendered these colonies not only self-supporting, but a source of revenue to the Crown. [Illustration: CANNIBAL FIRES.]