To Master Wm. Edward Spears one of the third generation of Australians is presented this historical and statistical account of New South Wales, his native country, written by one who has himself taken a prominent part therein and whose form and figure still moves among us, and as to whom it may be said the work is in part an autobiographical notice of and comment on his own life and character by James Jones a friend of the donee's grandfather one of the first born Australians with the donor's hope and trust that the donee will make himself well acquainted with the history of his country, as well as with that glorious Mother Country Old England. Sydney, New South Wales, 20 Dec., 1875"