Australia - R. L Heathcote

This is an updated edition of Heathcote's study of the contemporary character of the Australian continental landscape. The landscape's origins from the arrival of the first European colonists are analyzed, and this edition examines the colonists' effect on continental resources over two centuries. The new edition also covers recent developments in conservation, multiculturalism and industrial expansion.;Divided into three parts, "Australia" begins by reconstructing the landscape prior to the settlement of the early Europeans and then moves on to discuss the continent of the 1990s, emphasizing its contrast with the original landscape and analyzing the European settlement from 1788. The final part summarizes the changes over the last 200 years by analyzing changes in attitude to, and the knowledge of, resources in Australia.;This account should enable readers to understand the problems facing the nation as it approaches the 21st century.;Heathcote briefly identifies resultant problems which bring into question the future sustainability of agriculture. These include: breakdown of traditional aboriginal society; soil erosion; destruction of wild life; spread of noxious plants and animals; environmental pollution.;Readership: Level: 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate and the non-specialist concerned with Australia and its evolution. Courses: Geography, Resource Management and Australian Studies.