Agriculture, etc.
The account of land in cultivation, as it appeared at the last
muster taken by me, according to direction which I received from
his Honour Lieutenant-Governor Foveaux, and making a part of the
several tracts granted by the crown to settlers, etc. as
described in the survey, stood as follows:--
Belonging to the Crown--100 acres in wheat.
Belonging to Officers--326 1/2 acres of wheat, 178 acres
of maize, 22 1/2 acres of barley, 13 acres of oats, 13/4
acres of pease and beans, 191/4 acres of potatoes, 65 acres of
orchard, and 6 acres of flax and hemp.
Belonging to Settlers--6460 1/2 acres of wheat, 32111/4
acres of maize, 512 acres of barley, 79 1/2 acres of oats,
983/4 acres of pease and beans, 2813/4 acres of potatoes, 13
acres of turnips, 4811/4 acres of garden and orchard, and
28 1/2 acres of flax, hemp, and hops.
Total.--6887 acres of wheat, 33891/4 acres of maize,
534 1/2 acres of barley, 92 1/2 acres of oats,
100 1/2 acres of pease and beans, 301 acres of potatoes, 13
acres of turnips, 5461/4 acres of orchard and garden, 34 1/2
acres of flax, hemp, and hops.
The following is the general course of cultivation adopted,
and justified by experience:--
_January_.--The ground intended for wheat and barley to
be sown in, ought to be now broken up; carrots should also be
sown, and potatoes planted in this month are most productive for
the winter consumption.
_February_.--A general crop of turnips for sheep, etc.
should be sown this month, the land having been previously
manured, cleared, ploughed, etc. This is also the proper month
for putting Cape barley in the ground, for green food for horses,
cattle, etc.
_March_.--Strawberries should be planted this month, and
onions for immediate use should be sown. All forest land should
be now sown with wheat; and turnips, for a general crop, in the
proportion of one pound of seed to an acre of land.
_April_.--From the middle of this month, until the end of
May, is the best season for sowing wheat in the districts of
Richmond Hill, Phillip, Nelson, and Evan, as it is not so subject
to the caterpillar, smut, rust, and blight. Oats may also be sown
now for a general crop. Asparagus haulm should also be cut and
carried off the ground, and the beds dunged.
_May_.--Pease and beans for a field crop should be sown
in this month; but, in gardens, at pleasure, as you may be
supplied with them, as well as most other vegetable productions,
sallads, etc. nearly at all times of the year.
_June_.--This is the best season for transplanting all
kinds of fruit-trees, except evergreens; layers may also be now
made, and cuttings planted from hardy trees. Spring barley should
be sown this month upon all rich land, three bushels to an
acre.
_July_.--Potatoes which were planted in January are now
fit for digging. Stocks to bud and plant upon should now be
transplanted; cabbage and carrots may be sown; and strawberries
should be cleaned, and have their spring dressing.
_August_.--Potatoes must now be planted for general
summer use; the ground prepared for clover at this season is
best. Cucumbers and melons of all kinds should now be sown, and
evergreens transplanted. Vines ought to be cut and trimmed early
in this month. Ground may this month also be ploughed for the
reception of maize, and turnip land prepared for grass.
_September_.--This is the best season for grafting
fruit-trees, and the ground should be entirely prepared for
planting with maize. Grass-seed or clover should be sown in the
beginning of this month, if the weather is favourable, and there
is a prospect of rains.
_October_.--All fruit-trees now in bearing should be
examined, and where the fruit is set too thick, it must be
reduced to a moderate quantity. The farmer should plant as much
of his maize this month as possible, and clean ground for
potatoes.
_November_.--In this month the harvest becomes general
throughout the colony, and no wheat ought to be stacked upon the
ground, as the moisture which arises from the earth ascends
through the stack, and tends much, in this warm climate, to
increase the weevils, which prove very destructive to the wheat.
Evergreens may now be propagated by layers, and cabbage, lettuce,
and turnips sown.
_December_.--The stubble-ground is frequently planted
with maize in this month, so that it produces a crop of wheat and
another of maize in the same year; but the policy of thus forcing
the ground is much questioned by many experienced agriculturists,
and is supposed to have led to the ruin of some of these
avaricious farmers. Cauliflower and brocoli seeds may now be
sown.
The prices paid for planting, clearing ground, etc. is as
follows, according to the regulations specified in the general
orders:--For felling forest timber, 10s. per acre; for
burning off ditto, 25s. per acre; for breaking up new
ground, 24s. per acre; for breaking up stubble or corn
land, 13s. 4d. per acre; for chipping in wheat,
6s. 8d. per acre; for reaping ditto, 8s. per
acre; for threshing ditto, 7d. per bushel; for planting
maize, 6s. 8d. per acre; for hilling ditto,
6s. 8d. per acre; and for pulling and husking
ditto, 5d. per bushel.--The hours of public labour are
from sunrise to eight o'clock, and (Sundays excepted) from nine
to three. On Saturdays, on account of the stores being open for
the issue of provisions, the hours are from sunrise to nine
o'clock.
Yearly wages for servants, with board, 10L.; weekly
ditto, with provisions, 6s.; daily wages, with board,
1s.; and daily wages, without board, 2s.
6d.
The following is an accurate account of Live Stock, taken at
the same time as the preceding statement of land in
cultivation:--
Belonging to the Crown--28 male horses, 19 female ditto; 21
bulls, 1791 cows; 1800 oxen; 395 male sheep, and 604 female
ditto.
Belonging to Officers--81 male horses, 146 female ditto; 38
bulls, 1111 cows; 696 oxen; 2638 male sheep, 5298 female ditto;
40 male goats, 73 female ditto; 486 male pigs, and 537 female
ditto.
Belonging to Settlers--258 male horses, 329 female ditto; 40
bulls, 1906 cows; 1172 oxen; 7449 male sheep, 15,327 female
ditto; 799 male goats, 1670 female ditto; 7693 male pigs, and
7435 female ditto.
Belonging to Persons not holding Land--44 male horses, 35
female ditto; 19 bulls, 307 cows; 103 oxen; 325 male sheep, 1222
female ditto; 97 male goats, 296 female ditto; 1641 male pigs,
and 1576 female ditto.
Total of Stock--411 male horses, 529 female ditto; 118 bulls,
5115 cows; 3771 oxen; 10807 male sheep, 22,451 female ditto; 936
male goats, 2039 female ditto; 9820 male pigs, and 9548 female
ditto.
The common lands to the various districts, which were located
in perpetuity in 1804, are now felt very serviceable, and were
just granted at a period that prevented any of the settlers from
being thoroughly enclosed, so that every grazier has now an
opportunity of feeding his stock thereon, without confining
himself to the quantity of land he chooses to cultivate on his
own farm.
From the above statements it will most certainly appear, that
the colony is in a very flourishing state, and, no doubt, will
soon become independent of the mother country, if those methods
are pursued which are best calculated to promote this end. No one
step has latterly been taken to facilitate this desirable object
more than the measures adopted by Colonel Johnstone and
Lieutenant-Governor Foveaux, who distributed the breeding cattle
amongst the industrious and deserving settlers; a step which has
produced benefits of a two-fold nature--laying the foundation for
the more rapid increase of stock, and affording a stimulus to
meritorious exertion. In the districts about Hawkesbury, the
grain yields abundantly; but at the other settlements it is less
productive: The reason of this distinction must be chiefly
obvious to the reader of the preceding sketch, in the liability
of the soil at the former settlement to frequent inundations,
which serve every purpose of manure, and uniformly keep the
ground in a mellow state. It has been erroneously stated, that
the average produce of the land in New South Wales is sixty
bushels of wheat per acre; but I can take upon myself to say,
that twenty-five bushels an acre will be found the full extent of
the average produce. When a comparison is made between the
present state of the country and its former condition, the
improvements will appear considerable in agriculture, and almost
incredible in every other respect. The season for the gathering
in of the wheat has been gradually accelerated, ever since the
commencement of the colony; and the harvest of the last year
previous to my departure from the settlement, commenced nearly a
month sooner than it did at the first: The fruit seemed also
later.
Prices of Provisions, and Ration.
The following was the current price of Articles of Food, in
the year 1809:--Wheat 12s. per bushel; maize 5s.
per bushel; barley 5s. per bushel; oats 4s.
6d. per bushel; potatoes 10s. per cwt.; turnips
4d. per bunch; carrots 6d. per bunch; cabbages
3d. each; lemons 6d. per dozen; peaches 2d.
per dozen; apples 2s. per dozen; pears 3s. per
dozen; strawberries 1s. per quart; quinces 2s. per
dozen; water melons 9d. each; musk and other melons
1s. each; apricots 1s. per dozen; mulberries
1s. per quart; Cape gooseberries 8d. per quart;
native currants 8d. per quart; oranges, raspberries,
grapes, plums, almonds, pomegranates, limes, shaddocks, citrons,
pine-apples, nectarines, and guavas, are to be procured; but
their prices are variable, some of them being more scarce than
others. Cucumbers 1d. each, mushrooms 8d. per
quart, French beans 4d. per quart, onions 20s. per
cwt. peas 1s. per quart, beans 9d. per quart,
asparagus 2s. per hundred, artichokes 6d. each,
spinage 1s. per dish, pumpkins 6d. each,
cauliflowers 6d. each, brocoli 6d. per dish, figs
3d. per dozen. Beet-root, lettuces, raddishes, sallad of
all kinds, horse-raddish, samphire, watercresses, celery, endive,
and herbs of every description, are extremely plentiful, and to
be purchased at reasonable rates.
Animal food is to be procured at the following prices:--Beef
1s. 3d. per lb.; mutton 1s. 3d. per
lb.; pork 1s. per lb.; lamb 1s. 3d. per lb.;
kangaroo 8d. per lb. (the flesh of this animal is somewhat
similar in taste to English beef, but rather inferior, owing to
the want of fat); goat mutton 1s. per lb.; turkeys
10s. each; geese 8s. each; ducks 4s. each;
Muscovy ducks 5s. each; fowls 2s. 6d. each;
wild ducks 2s. each; teal 1s. 3d. each;
rabbits 4s. each; roasting pigs 5s. each; pigeons
1s. 3d. each; kids 5s. each; eggs 1s.
6d. per dozen; butter 6s. per lb.; milk 1s.
per quart; cheese 2s. 6d. per lb.; oysters
1s. per quart; and lobsters 1s. each.
Fish is exceedingly numerous of every description, and is very
good as well as moderate in charge. A turtle was caught recently
in Broken Bay, with a hook, weighing seven hundred weight, which
was retailed to the inhabitants at 4d. per lb.
The following is to be considered as a full weekly Ration,
which is issued from the stores whenever there is a sufficiency
without a prospect of want, to those who are in the employ of
government:--Seven pounds of salt beef, or four pounds of salt
pork; eight pounds of flour or meal, or an addition of a quarter
of a pound of wheat to each pound, if it cannot be ground; pease
or other pulse, three pounds; six ounces of sugar in lieu of
butter. The same quantity is to be given by their employer to
those who are indented to settlers, etc.; but as frequent
alterations are necessarily made, according to the pressure of
circumstances, the deficiency is generally made up with
maize.
Trade and Manufactures.
A manufactory has been established for coarse woollen
blanketing or rugs, and coarse linen called drugget; a linen of a
very good quality has also been produced, which has been disposed
of to settlers, etc. and issued from the stores to those who
labour for the crown. The spinning has been done by the female
convicts, and the weaving, etc. by the male. The person who
superintended this department, for some time, was George
Mealmaker, a well-known political character in North Britain; but
he has been dead some years, and the manufactory, which adjoins
the goal at Parramatta, has been almost entirely destroyed by
fire; consequently, the progress which would have been made in
this manufacture has been greatly retarded. When I left the
colony, however, a very deserving, respectable, and persevering
settler, at Hawkesbury, was about to commence in that way on a
very extensive scale; for which laudable purpose he had sown
several acres with flax and hemp, and I am hopeful his exertions
will tend to benefit the colony, to which the establishment of a
manufactory of this description has been long an object ardently
to be desired; and it is to be hoped, that the effort of this new
speculator will be crowned with that success which it so
eminently deserves.
The leather made from the skins of cattle, kangaroo, seal,
etc. are extremely good, and are tanned by a bark which grows
in the settlement, much sooner than a similar operation is
performed in England. The sole leather, in my opinion, cannot be
surpassed in point of goodness; and every improvement which can
arise from competition may be naturally expected, since there are
several persons who follow this line of business both at Sydney
and Parramatta.
Several potteries have been established; but the most
celebrated manufacturer of this description, named Skinner,
lately died. His dishes, plates, basons, covers, cups and
saucers, teapots, and chimney ornaments, were in a very superior
style of workmanship; and other useful articles equally
handsome.
Tobacco-pipes, which, some years ago, at the cheapest periods
cost sixpence each, are now manufactured in the settlement, of a
very good quality, and are retailed for one penny each. The great
propensity to smoking which prevails throughout the colony,
causes an astonishing consumption of this article, and has well
repaid the original speculator.
Salt is made in great abundance from salt water; and large
salt-pans have been erected at Rose Bay, whence, and at
Newcastle, great quantities are made and sent to Sydney. A plan,
however, had been proposed to the governor, for making it by
evaporation, which it was supposed would be carried into effect;
it was in agitation, and was nearly brought to perfection when
this statement was made.
Some very palatable beer is brewed in the settlement, at four
extensive breweries; one at Sydney, one at Kissing Point, one at
Parramatta, and the other at Hawkesbury; and a number of persons
brew their own beer. Some improvements here may yet be looked
for, since at present the grain is malted very badly in the
colony, which I attribute more to the want of proper utensils
than any deficiency of ability. In a short time also they will be
enabled to grow a sufficiency of hops in the settlement for every
purpose, without being compelled, as at present, to have recourse
to the mother country for this necessary article.
Eight wind-mills have been erected for the purpose of grinding
corn; and a water-mill, which had been erected at Parramatta,
has, most unfortunately, been destroyed by a flood, which came on
some time previous to my leaving the colony.
There are four auctioneers, or vendue masters, in the
settlements; two at Sydney, one at Parramatta, and one at
Hawkesbury: They usually charge five per cent. on sales.
The shops are particularly respectable, and decorated with
much taste. Articles of female apparel and ornament are greedily
purchased; for the European women in the settlement spare no
expense in ornamenting their persons, and in dress, each seems to
vie with the other in extravagance. The costliness of the
exterior there, as well as in most other parts of the world, is
meant as the mark of superiority; but confers very little grace,
and much less virtue, on its wearer, when speaking of the dashing
belles who generally frequent the Rocks, who may often be seen of
an evening attired in the greatest splendour, and on the
following morning are hid from public view with extremely mean
attire.
Spirits are also bought up with astonishing rapidity; and,
when prohibited, will ever be obtained by some means or other,
and I have known it to sell as high as thirty shillings per
bottle; the general price by the retailer, however, is from ten
to sixteen shillings per bottle. Most of the people in the
colony, male and female, give way to excessive drinking. Wines
are not so eagerly sought after, and are therefore more
reasonable than might be expected; but if the rage for luxuries
continues to increase in the same proportion as it has done for
the last few years, it must soon obtain an enhanced price, and a
more rapid sale. The evils consequent upon the unrestrained use
of these articles, are such as to justify the most poignant
regrets that they should be held in such estimation by all
descriptions of persons, since they have proved from their first
introduction into the colony, and still continue to be, the
fertile sources of social disorder, of domestic misery, of
disorders, and of death. It is to no purpose that the higher
orders set examples of sobriety and temperance; it is of no avail
that the governor uses every prudent exertion to restrain the
immoderate traffic in these pernicious liquors; threats,
intreaties, and punishments, are equally useless; and while
spirits are to be procured, the inhabitants will possess them at
the price of every other comfort of life.
While on this subject, I shall just take occasion to advert to
a singular circumstance respecting the specie of the settlement.
The copper coin which was sent out by government, and was
originally issued at the close of the year 1800, has most
surprisingly decreased, as very little indeed is now used
currently. This occurrence is so strange in itself, that I am
totally at a loss to account for it, on any principles whatever.
Considering its rapid diminution, I cannot conjecture by what
means the circulation is still kept up; nor, on the other hand,
can I suppose that the coin is caught up for the purposes of
exportation, as it was issued in the colony, in the first
instance, at one hundred per cent. above its real value. The
scarcity of this specie, at all events, operates as an
obstruction to trade; and I think that some steps ought to be
taken to remove the cause of complaint, by filling up the
deficiency which has so unaccountably taken place.
Population.
There are nine thousand three hundred and fifty-six
inhabitants in the settlement, out of which number upwards of six
thousand support themselves, and the rest are victualled and
clothed at the expense of the crown. Most men of a trade or
profession pursue their calling; and labourers are either
employed by settlers to cultivate their lands, and in various
occupations, or work in different gangs, where they can be
serviceable.
When a transport arrives with prisoners, their irons are
immediately knocked off (if this has not been previously done),
unless some powerful reason exists to justify an exception from
this rule. The muster is taken by the commissary, who gives
receipts for every thing belonging to the crown; the list, with
remarks, is given to the governor, who orders them to what part
of the settlement he thinks proper, where the deficiency of hands
in agricultural or other employments renders such an acquisition
desirable.
The behaviour of the prisoners has recently been much less
exceptionable than in the earlier days of the settlement, and
they seem to have accommodated their dispositions, in a great
degree, to their new situations; those who are guilty of theft
have latterly been transported to some remote settlement, and
this system of punishment has been found more efficacious than
the infliction of castigation, or any other corporal punishment,
since they feel an unconquerable repugnance to the idea of a
separation from their old connections and companions, and a
removal to a solitary scene, where they cannot hope for any
opportunities of re-commencing those pursuits which are so truly
congenial to their dispositions.
Natives.
Speaking generally of the natives, they are a filthy,
disagreeable race of people; nor is it my opinion that any
measures which could be adopted would ever make them otherwise.
Their wars are as frequent as usual, and are attended with as
much cruelty both towards men and women. They are still ready at
all times to commit depredations upon the Indian corn, whenever
there is a probability of their attempts being attended with the
desired success; and this predatory disposition renders it
frequently necessary to send detachments of the military to
disperse them; but the utmost care is taken to prevent any fatal
circumstances from attending these acts of needful hostility, and
orders are uniformly issued never to fire upon the natives,
unless any particularly irritating act should render such a
measure expedient. They are amazingly expert at throwing the
spear, and will launch it with unerring aim to a distance of
thirty to sixty yards. I myself have seen a lad hurl his spear at
a hawk-eagle (a bird which, with wings expanded, measures from
seven to ten feet), flying in the air, with such velocity and
correctness as to pierce his object, and bring the feathered
victim to the earth. This circumstance will tend to shew how soon
the youth of these tribes are trained to the use of the spear,
and the dexterity to which they attain in this art before they
reach the age of manhood. Indeed, instances are by no means
uncommon, where an army of natives is seen following a youthful
leader of fifteen or sixteen years of age, and obeying his
directions implicitly, because his previous conduct had been
characterized by remarkable vigour of body, and intrepidity of
mind--virtues which qualify natives of every age and rank for the
highest honours and the most marked distinctions amongst these
untutored sons of nature. Their attachment to savage life is
unconquerable; nor can the strongest allurements tempt them to
exchange their wild residences in the recesses of the country,
for the comforts of European life. A singular instance of this
fact occurred in the case of Be-ne-long, who was brought to
England by Governor Phillip, and returned with Governor Hunter.
For some time after his return, it is true, he assumed the
manners, the dress, and the consequence of an European, and
treated his countrymen with a distance which evinced the sense he
entertained of his own increased importance; and this disposition
was encouraged by every method which suggested itself to the
minds of those of the colony with whom he associated; but,
notwithstanding so much pains had been taken for his improvement,
both when separated from his countrymen, and since his return to
New South Wales, he has subsequently taken to the woods again,
returned to his old habits, and now lives in the same manner as
those who have never mixed with the civilized world. Sometimes,
indeed, he holds intercourse with the colony; but every effort
uniformly fails to draw him once again into the circle of
polished society, since he prefers to taste of liberty amongst
his native scenes, to the unsatisfactory gratification which
arises from an association with strangers, however kind their
treatment of him, and however superior to his own enjoyments.
Yet there are many of the natives who feel no disinclination
to mix with the inhabitants occasionally--to take their share in
the labours and the reward of those who toil. Amongst these there
are five in particular, to whom our countrymen have given the
names of Bull Dog, Bidgy Bidgy, Bundell, Bloody Jack, and another
whose name I cannot call to recollection, but who had a farm of
four acres and upwards, planted with maize, at Hawkesbury, which
he held by permission of Governor King; and the other four made
themselves extremely useful on board colonial vessels employed in
the fishing and sealing trade, for which they are in the regular
receipt of wages. They strive, by every means in their power, to
make themselves appear like the sailors with whom they associate,
by copying their customs, and imitating their manners; such as
swearing, using a great quantity of tobacco, drinking grog, and
other similar habits. These natives are the only ones, I believe,
who are inclined to industrious behaviour, and they have most
certainly rendered more essential services to the colony than any
others of their countrymen, who, in general, content themselves
with assisting to draw nets for fish, for the purpose of coming
in for a share of the produce of others toil.
The general pursuits of the natives, their manners and
customs, have been so accurately described by preceding writers
on the subject, that I shall forbear from entering into more
minute particulars, which would swell my sketch far beyond its
intended limits, and could add nothing to the knowledge of which
the well-informed reader is already possessed. It will be
sufficient to remark, that such as the inhabitants of the
interior of New Holland were represented ten years since, they
still remain, as the antecedent remarks must sufficiently
illustrate: The jealousy of the new settlers, which originally
existed, has indeed entirely vanished; but the proximity of a
civilized colony has not tended in the least to polish the native
rudeness and barbarism, which mark the behaviour of the original
inhabitants of this remote spot of the universe.
Climate.
Although the climate is variable, yet it is very healthy, and
uncommonly fine for vegetation. Most of the disorders which exist
in the settlement are the fruits of intemperance and debauchery,
the necessary result of that fatal addiction to drunkenness,
which produces mental imbecility and bodily decay. Frost is known
but little; at least, ice is very seldom seen; and, I believe,
snow has never yet appeared since the establishment of the
colony: Yet on the highest ridges of the remoter mountains, to
which I have had occasion to allude as never yet having been
passed, snow is to be seen for a long time together; and this
circumstance is a proof of their elevation. The usual weather in
New South Wales is uncommonly bright and clear, and the common
weather there, in spring and autumn, is equal to the finest
summer day in England. This purity and warmth of atmosphere, it
may be naturally inferred, must be particularly favourable to the
growth of shrubs and plants, which flourish exceedingly, and
attain to a degree of perfection and beauty which is unknown to
the inhabitants of this country. The woods and fields present a
boundless variety of the choicest productions of nature, which
gratify the senses with their fragrance and magnificence; while
the branches of the trees display a brilliant assemblage of the
feathered race, whose plumage, "glittering in the sun,"
dazzles the eye of the beholder with its unmatched loveliness and
lustre, and presenting, on the whole, a scene too rich for the
pencil to pourtray--too glowing and animated for the feeble pen
of mortal to describe with half the energy and beauty which
belong to it, and without which description is unfaithful.
Natural History.
This subject has been so well treated, and the various species
of animals, etc. have been so accurately described, by those
who have treated on the history of this colony, that it would be
superfluous in me to re-tread the ground which has been already
so ably trodden. I shall therefore content myself with describing
the few natural productions of the country of New Holland, which
have been discovered subsequent to the latest publication on the
subject, and concerning which, consequently, no information of an
accurate and public nature has yet been transmitted to this
country. The exploration of the works of nature in this immense
tract of the universe, is however still incomplete; and I have no
doubt but the lapse of a few years will tend greatly to the
augmentation of the knowledge we now possess on this interesting
subject, and will prove the fertile source of new delight and
instruction to the mind which can derive enjoyment from that pure
source, the contemplation of nature in her varied and astonishing
works.
The Koolah, or Sloth, a singular animal of the Opossum
species, having a false belly, was found by the natives, and
brought into the town alive, on the 10th of August, 1803. This is
a very singular animal; for when it ascends a tree, at which it
is astonishingly expert, it will never quit it until it has
cleared it of its leaves. It is mostly found in the mountains and
deep ravines to the southward and northward of Broken Bay, and
the natives instantly discover its concealment by observing the
leaves of the Gum-tree eaten off, this being the tree which it
usually selects. It is astonishingly indolent, and is uniformly
found with a companion, locked in each other's arms, as it were.
Its claws are very strong, and are of material service in
assisting it to climb trees; its length from eighteen inches to
two feet; and two stuffed specimens are to be seen in Mr.
Bullock's Museum.
Latterly also, a species of the Hyena has been found at Port
Dalrymple, which is extremely ferocious in appearance, has a
remarkably large mouth, is striped all over, very strongly
limbed, and its claws strong, long, and sharp. This animal is
likewise of the Opossum kind, having, like the generality of
subjects found in New Holland, a false belly. Notwithstanding its
apparent ferocity, it has never yet ventured to attack any human
being, but has confined its ravages to sheep and poultry, amongst
which it has committed frequent and very serious depredations. No
one of these animals, I believe, has hitherto been brought over
to England, either alive or dead, since their native fierceness
renders them less easy of capture than the Koolah.
Flying Mice are likewise found, in considerable numbers, in
this country, of a very handsome appearance, and also of the
Opossum species. The tail of this interesting little animal
resembles a feather; its belly is white, and its back brown; and
it is covered with a down as soft as satin. It flies like an
Opossum. This subject is much regarded for its beauty.
The Porcupine Ant-eaters are found in most parts of the
country, and are esteemed very good eating; they burrow in the
earth, and have a tongue of remarkable length, which they put out
of their mouth, and the ants immediately crowd upon it, as if
lured by some particular attraction, and when it appears to be
pretty well covered, it is drawn in with rapidity, and the
insects are expeditiously swallowed.--Stuffed specimens of these
are also to be seen in the Museum of Mr. Bullock.
Black and white mottled Fern tree was found at the head of
Lane Cove, by Colonel Paterson, about five years since; but it
does not run to any considerable size. It is esteemed a very
handsome wood for the purposes of veneering.
The Spice tree has also been found to the southward: It is a
very strong aromatic, and possesses a more pungent quality than
pepper. This tree produces a berry, which, as well as the bark,
is of a very powerful spicy nature.
Fustic has been discovered at Newcastle--a wood which makes
the finest yellow dye; but it has been hitherto confined to New
South Wales. Indigo was also found in different parts of the
country; but, after a thorough trial of its properties by a
French gentleman of much patience and experience, as well as by
some other individuals of research, it was found impossible to
derive any benefit from it.
Native green currants grow wildly, and make an uncommonly fine
jelly. A wild cherry is also found in the settlement, growing
with the stone on the outside, of a red colour, but nearly unfit
to eat; as also a wild fig, equally nauseous, full of seed, but
eaten by the natives. Strawberries grow to fine perfection; but
no English currant, gooseberry, or cherry trees, are to be seen
in the country: Some were brought from England by Captain Kent,
of the royal navy, and were in a flourishing state, with some
gingers, from Rio de Janeiro, when a fire happened upon that
gentleman's farm, and consumed the whole, which has been a very
great loss to the colony. Pines, far exceeding in size those of
England, are now growing there, but they are scarce; melons, on
the contrary, are very large and plentiful. Botany Bay greens are
procured in abundance; they much resemble sage in appearance, and
are esteemed a very good dish by the Europeans, but despised by
the natives. The bark of a tree called Carajong, which grows like
a willow, is manufactured into ropes of considerable strength. A
single nectarine tree only has been known to bear fruit, which is
in the Government Garden. Some coffee trees were planted by a
Frenchman (Mons. Declambe), but he unfortunately died before he
could bring them to perfection.
The shrubs and plants of this country are all evergreens, and
numbers of them are to be seen, covered with beautiful blossoms,
at all seasons of the year. Jeraniums flourish in such abundance,
that, in various parts of the settlement, they are made into
hedges, and are so thick as to be almost impenetrable; they are
always in leaf and flower, and emit an odour of the most fragrant
nature, perfuming the surrounding atmosphere.
Cedar, and coals, of a very fine quality, are the produce of
the Newcastle district, and are procured with very little
trouble. Manna has also been found near Port Dalrymple, made by
the locusts on the trees, from which it drops in very
considerable quantities. But the most prizable subjects which
have been discovered here are, the valuable stones; of which the
white, yellow, and large brilliant Topazes, are considered of far
greater worth than those which are produced in any part of the
Brazils; since I was informed, when at Rio Janeiro, in the month
of August, 1809, by a number of gentlemen of the best
information, amongst whom were the Marquis de Pomball and the
Judge Consalvadore, that none which had been found on that coast,
could bear a comparison with those of New Holland.
The other animals of this country; the numerous, curious, and
beautiful birds, which abound there; and the various reptiles
which have been discovered, have been already sufficiently
described: More of the latter, however, have subsequently been
discovered to be of a venomous nature than was formerly
conjectured; and the bite of several species of the Coluber, or
Snake, have proved, in various instances, fatal, in the course of
a very few minutes after the wound has been received. It is to be
wished that some mode of cure could be discovered.--It is worthy
of remark, that at Norfolk Island, a spot where a settlement was
made, and which has been subsequently evacuated, about three
hundred leagues from the nearest coast of New South Wales, no
reptiles of any description are to be found; while at Phillip
Island, only seven miles from Norfolk Island, several species of
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
and veneration of all classes, is a fact which no dispassionate
observer can deny; but it is also equally notorious, that there
are too many of an opposite description, who practise every vice,
and do the most serious injury to that sacred cause to which they
have been delegated, and have engaged to support. If greater
pains were taken in the choice of servants, the Missionary
institution might tend to the more rapid promotion of the
knowledge of religion; but the work will be retarded while
improper instruments are used. A Missionary, of irreproachable
character, was unhappily murdered a few years since, by some
persons whom he had served, and who adopted this new and inhuman
method of repaying the obligation which had been conferred upon
him.
The natives are in general very superstitious, and entertain
some singular notions respecting their deceased friends and
countrymen, of which very ample accounts are given in
Lieutenant-Governor Collins's interesting publication. Their
funeral ceremonies are extremely impressive, and every mark of
respect, which suggests itself to their untaught minds, is paid
to the body of the deceased. A barbarous custom, however,
prevails, which is sanctioned by their rude ideas of
religion:--When a mother dies, while giving suck to an infant,
the living babe is uniformly thrown into the grave of the parent,
and the father having cast a stone upon it, the earth is cast
into the pit, and thus the innocent offspring is immolated to an
erroneous and superstitious prejudice.
Amongst the convicts the influence of superstition is less
prevalent, although, amongst many of the lower orders of Irish,
the traces of it are to be discovered; it leads, however, to no
injurious consequences, and deserves encouragement, in preference
to those totally irreligious principles which might naturally be
expected to shew themselves amidst a body of men, of characters
and dispositions so hostile to every thing which is virtuous,
dignifying, and good.
Morals.
The morals of the colony are by no means so debauched as the
tongue of prejudice has too frequently asserted; on the contrary,
virtuous characters are not rare, and honourable principles are
not less prevalent here than in other communities of equal extent
and limited growth. The instances of drunkenness, dishonesty, and
their concomitant offences, are not more common than in the
mother country; and those amongst the convicts who are disposed
to return to their old habits, and re-commence their depredations
upon society are deterred by the severe punishment which awaits
their detection: There are many also amongst the prisoners
themselves, who are now striking examples of probity, industry,
temperance, and virtue; and some have obtained a remission of the
punishment which occasioned their residence in the settlement, in
consequence of the signal and radical change which had taken
place in their inclinations and behaviour. Where there is society
their must exist offences; but, on the whole, considering the
nature of the colony of New South Wales, the morals of the people
are as free from glaring defects, as those of any other tract of
equal population in the habitable world; and the characters which
are celebrated for their virtues are as numerous, in proportion,
as those which are to be found in other countries, where
civilization and prosperity have made greater progress, and where
individuals have greater inducement to labour, and the prospect
of a brighter reward for their industrious exertions.
Amusements.
The erection of a play-house was noticed in the preceding part
of this sketch; the abuses which were uniformly committed on the
nights of performance, subsequently rendered that a nuisance
which was originally intended for an innocent recreation. When
the inhabitants were engaged in this enjoyment, their property
was left unwatched, and there were ever numbers of dishonest
individuals who were ready to seize upon these opportunities to
gratify their vicious dispositions. It was also a common practice
to give provisions to obtain entrance, if money was scarce; and
thus, by the frequent privations of their regular food, many of
the convicts were unable to pursue their labour with proper
energy and activity. Other abuses also resulted from the
establishment of the theatre, which induced the governor to recal
the permission which had been given for the performances, and the
playhouse itself was soon afterwards levelled to the ground.
Since the destruction of this building, the sources of
amusement have been confined to cricket, cards, water-parties,
shooting, fishing, hunting the kangaroo, etc. or any other
pleasures which can be derived from society where no public place
is open for recreations of any description. The officers of the
colony have also built a private billiard-room, by subscription,
for their own use; and if these amusements possess not that
degree of attraction which is attached to dramatic
representations, they cannot, on the other hand, be liable to
those abuses, and produce those injurious consequences, which
previously existed.
Amongst the convicts, indeed, gaming is carried, too
frequently, to the most deplorable excesses; and, in some cases,
the most abandoned of the prisoners have actually staked the
clothes which they wore, and when those were lost, stood amongst
their companions in a state of nudity, thus reducing themselves
to a level with the natives of the woods. The most severe
measures were called for by this unprincipled practice, and the
most gross part of the custom was done away; but it was
impossible to put a total stop to the gratification of this
gaming disposition, which is still pursued with equal avidity in
some way or other, and which may be said, next to drinking, to
constitute the chief pleasure and amusement of the lowest classes
of the prisoners.
The amusements of the natives need no recital here, as they
have been fully detailed in other publications.
Military Force.
The whole of the military in the colony consists of the New
South Wales corps (now the 102d regiment), two volunteer
associations, and a body-guard of troopers for the governor,
commanded by a serjeant. In fact, the inutility of a larger
military force must be obvious to every man of common reflection,
since it is merely required for the purposes of preserving
domestic peace, which might be in danger of continual
interruptions, in case of the absence of military power
altogether, from the turbulent dispositions of many of the
convicts. This inclination to revolt, however, is repressed by
the appearance of a few organized troops; and a sufficient check
is kept upon the natives, who still continue to make occasional
incursions, and commit their depredations upon the India corn of
the settlers, whenever an opportunity offers itself: At these
periods the soldiers are called in, and a few of them are found
sufficient to drive back the plunderers, who hate and fear the
approach of a soldier.
Buildings.
The buildings are of stone, brick, and lath and plaister;
weather-boarded; and the houses are durable. There are two
churches; one, St. Philip's, which possesses a very handsome
service of communion plate, presented by his Majesty, and
received by the Calcutta, on the 8th of October, 1803; and the
other, St. John's, at Parramatta: There are likewise a school and
chapel at Hawkesbury, where divine service is performed. Two
jails have also been erected in the colony. A house has been
built for the governor at each of the principal settlements;
which also possess several very commodious barracks, with many
other public buildings, and a great number of extensive and
handsome houses, the property of private individuals. There are a
stone bridge, and several very substantial wooden ones, which, if
not celebrated for beauty, are found extremely serviceable, and
well calculated for all the present purposes of the colony, which
is not yet sufficiently advanced in prosperity to prefer ornament
to use. A new stone citadel is in a course of building, on which
the Royal Standard, for the first time in these settlements, was
hoisted on the 4th of June, 1803; and several batteries are
erected.--For a more particular account of the buildings at
Sydney, I must refer the reader to the following explanation of
the Views of Sydney, the principal seat of government, which
accompany this sketch:--
In the View of Sydney, from the East side of the Cove, No. I.
the house under two birds, as r r, is the Residence of the
Governor in Chief, which is built of brick, plaistered over; has
very convenient stables and outhouses, and is a very pleasant and
comfortable residence; the garden and shrubbery extend to about
four acres. The Flag-staff near the gardenhouse bears the Union
on holidays, and different signal-colours are used there to form
a communication between the shore and the king's vessels in the
Cove. The Pine tree growing in the garden is from Norfolk Island,
and runs to an amazing height and thickness; the knots from this
tree are used instead of flambeaux, and burn remarkably well. The
buildings under three birds, as r r r, extending some distance
right and left, and forming a square, are the Military Barracks,
built of brick, the largest of which was erected by
Lieutenant-Governor Foveaux: This is an extensive well-built
place, and was finished in far less time than any building ever
begun upon by government in that settlement, considering its
magnitude. The White House and Warehouses, which appear
immediately under that building, although a considerable distance
on this side, belong to Mr. Simeon Lord; they are built of stone,
and the dwelling-house is by far the most magnificent in the
colony. The road leading through Barrack-square is the high road
to Parramatta. The house at the head of Government-wharf, shewing
four windows on the ground floor, is a Dry Storehouse belonging
to the crown, and is used for depositing articles for barter,
etc. in, which are sent out by government for that purpose.
The small yellow house behind it belongs to government, and is
inhabited by Mr. John Gowen, one of his majesty's store-keepers
in that settlement. The yellow house, on the right of the
Barrack-square, and having nine windows in front on each floor,
is an extensive Government Granary, and was built of brick,
plaistered over, under the direction of his excellency Governor
Hunter. Attached to this building, on the right, is a very useful
Military Store; and, on the left, a Store for the issue of
Provisions. The red house, to the right, built of brick, with two
wings, is the Female Orphan-house, which is a very convenient
building, and was purchased from Captain Kent, of the royal navy,
but great additions have been made to it subsequent to its
purchase. The long building above the Orphan-house, of which only
a part of the front is seen, is built of brick, and belongs to
Garnham Blaxcell, Esq. whose zeal for the colony, and whose
industry, have equally entitled him to the esteem and praise of
all. The house a little to the right of the Orphan-house, and
appearing to have a wing, is the Dwelling, and, attached to it,
are the Warehouses of Mr. James Underwood; they are built of
brick, and are extremely commodious and comfortable. The building
above is the Church, as the tower denotes; it is built of stone,
and has a peal of eight bells therein, but they are not very
harmonious. On the right of the one road leading to the church,
the building with four windows and two doors in front, and the
erection above it, are two Government Store-houses, built of
brick and plaister; the first is generally used for bonding of
spirits in, for naval stores, etc.; and the other for the
reception of salt provisions, when any arrive from England. The
Windmill on the hill is built of stone, and belongs to
government; and the building on the right, which is continued in
View, No. II. with a wall round it, is built of stone, and forms
part of the County Gaol. In the fore ground, six of the Natives
are in the attitude of throwing the spear; two with spears; one
with a spear and helemon, or shield; and two sitting down.--Of
the dexterity with which they hurl this weapon, some notice has
been taken in a preceding part of this sketch.
In View, No. II. taken from the East side of the Cove, the
long building, with a flight of steps, is the County Gaol, of
which a part is seen in No. I. The White Building, to the right
of the Prison, of which only three windows in front, and the
warehouses around it, are discovered, belongs to Mr. Henry Kable,
who, with Messrs. Lord and Underwood, have been very industrious
and enterprising men in the oil and sealskin trade, etc. and
possess a number of vessels and considerable estates in the
colony. The two small Houses, rather to the right, below the
Gaol, built of brick, are used for the boats' crews. The
Warehouses which hide part of these huts, and the House above,
belong to Mr. Isaac Nichols; they are very extensive and
commodious, and are built of stone. The House, still further to
the right, with a door, four windows, and two side-lights, in
front, and kitchen detached, belongs to Mr. Thomas Moore, the
principal shipwright, a man of unshaken integrity and large
property. The wharf near this part, is called the Hospital Wharf,
where all merchandize, etc. is directed to be landed. The Road
leading on the hill, takes different directions to the houses and
streets on the rocks. The three long buildings, on the right of
the road, are the General Hospitals; and in the front of them is
the Government Dock-yard. Next, to the right of the Hospitals,
one building with eight windows and two doors in front, and the
other with four windows and a door, with side-lights, in front,
are the Barracks occupied by the Medical Staff. The two next
buildings are not tenanted by their late possessors. The large
buildings to the right, at the water's edge, are the House and
extensive Warehouses of Robert Campbell, Esq. a merchant, where a
ship of large dimensions can load or unload, with any tide,
alongside his wharf. Near this place a vessel belonging to that
gentleman some time ago caught fire, and after a great deal of
trouble she was sunk, by which means the fire was extinguished;
she was afterwards got up, and underwent such repairs as soon
enabled her to proceed on her voyage. Where the yellow flag is
seen flying, on Dawes's Point, there is a Battery, and
Lookout-house, to communicate with the signals for ships in the
offing at South Head. The River round the point leads to several
agricultural and farming districts, and to Parramatta. On the
hill is the Citadel, with the union flag flying, and two
Government Wind-mills, one built of wood and the other of stone,
the latter of which is unserviceable. The other buildings belong
to individuals indiscriminately. The Canoes, with fires in them,
belong to the natives.
In View, No. I. taken from the West side of the Cove, on one
side of the land which is farthest seen, is the Harbour; and on
the other, is an amazing expanse of sea. There is a carriage-road
made from Sydney to the extreme point, which is South Head, and a
great many carriages and horsemen frequently go down there to
spend the day, or to see any vessels which may appear off the
land. On South Head are, a Flag-staff, a Lookout-house, and an
Obelisk; and betwixt it and the North Head, is a narrow entrance,
by which vessels enter the port, about seven miles from Sydney.
The small island in the centre is called Pinch-gut, which name
originated from some persons being placed there on an allowance
of provisions for some offence, where they built an oven, the
remains of which are yet to be seen: At this time there is a man
named Brown, before spoken of, hung in chains on this spot, for
committing several murders. The other islands, between these and
the heads, are called Garden, Shark's, and Clark's Islands. On
the land to the right of Pinch-gut, called Be-ne-long's Point,
the native of that name, who was once in England, had a hut built
by government; but he soon left it, and it was destroyed: There
are also the remains of a battery there. Under two birds, as r r,
are two Houses on a point of land leading from Farm Cove, the
next cove to the eastward of Sydney. Under a large flight of
birds, are three Wind-mills, and an extensive Bakehouse; two of
which, and the bake-house, belong to John Palmer, Esq. and the
other to Mr. Henry Kable. Beneath them is Government House, and
part of the offices, and grounds. To the right of the Government
wharf are the Dry Stores spoken of in No. I. from the east side.
The building above that, of brick, is the Main Guard-house, and
is a very convenient place for that purpose. The Stone-house, and
offices, to the right of the Dry Stores, with five windows on a
floor, belong to Mr. Thomas Reiby; the brick House, nearly
adjoining, to Mr. Andrew Thompson; and the large Stone-house and
Warehouses, to Mr. Simeon Lord, spoken of in No. I. of the other
Views; in the front of which buildings is the principal road
leading to Government House, where are houses and offices for the
Judge Advocate, Commissary, Clergyman, and Surveyor-General; but
they are mostly hidden in this View by the trees and large
buildings before them. The stone building at the stern of the
Sloop, comprises the Warehouse and part of the House belonging to
Mr. Isaac Nichols, spoken of in No. II. of the other Views, and
continued in the next of this. The buildings concealed by part of
the long shed near, but on this side Mr. Nichols's, is the back
part of the Assistant-Surgeon's Barracks. The house behind the
trees is the back of the Barracks of the principal Surgeon. The
house near the Natives, who are fighting, is not occupied by any
person of particular consequence; and the one, partly hidden by
the rocks, was occupied by Mr. Moore, but is going to decay.
In View, No. II. taken from the West side of the Cove, the
lofty House of which a part is seen, and which was spoken of in
No. II. of the other Views, and I. of this, belongs to Mr. Isaac
Nichols; and the buildings on this side are the back of the
General Hospital. The Bridge, the only one built of stone in the
whole colony, is a very bad structure; the walls on each side of
the arch inclose the grounds belonging to the Orphan-house and
Mr. Simeon Lord. The road seen on the other side of the bridge is
called Spring-row; it leads to several streets, and joins the
main road to Parramatta, etc.; below the paling of which there
are very large Tanks, cut in rocks, to supply the town and
shipping with water; but there is another watering-place for
ships on the north side of the Cove, very commodious, and the
permission to use which produces a small annual income to the
Orphan fund. The rows, commencing above the foot of the Bridge,
on the east side, are called Chapel, Pitt's, and Serjeant-Major's
rows, the latter of which, under the two birds, runs to the
Brick-fields, towards Parramatta. The House on the right, at this
end of the longest street, seen in this View, with three windows
and a door visible, belongs to Garnham Blaxcell, Esq. spoken of
in No. I. of the other Views. The building, the eastern end of
which is partly covered by a tree, is the most southern Military
Barrack. The two lofty red houses at the west foot of the Bridge,
in the rise, are side-views of the Orphan-house and Mr. James
Underwood's, spoken of in No. I. of the other Views. The houses
on the right, a spot called the Rocks, belong to different
individuals, and some of them are very comfortable
habitations.
Over the south creek at Hawkesbury a floating-bridge has been
erected, which has proved greatly beneficial to the public;
since, previous to its completion, every person who had occasion
to go to that settlement, and in many cases from one farm to
another, was obliged to pass to and fro in a boat. As this bridge
was constructed by an individual (Mr. Andrew Thompson, a settler)
at his own expense, the following tolls are allowed to be
demanded:--For every foot-passenger, four-pence, or ten shillings
per annum; for each horse, single or in draught, two shillings
and sixpence, or two pounds ten shillings per annum; for waggons,
or other four-wheel carriages, with not more than half a ton
lading, one shilling and sixpence, or one pound ten shillings per
annum; for carts, or carriages with two wheels, laden or not,
each one shilling and sixpence, or one pound ten shillings per
annum; for sheep, under a score, two-pence each, and by the score
two shillings and sixpence, or two pounds ten shillings per
annum; swine and goats, the same as sheep. Passengers, horses,
carts, and carriages, are allowed to pass and re-pass, during the
same day, with one ticket; and a considerable income is derived
from this toll.
* * * * *
The children born in this colony from European parents, are
very robust, comely, and well made; nor do I recollect a solitary
instance of one being naturally deformed. They are remarkably
quick of apprehension; learn any thing with uncommon rapidity;
and greatly improve in good manners, promising to become a fine
race of people.
The Duke of Northumberland has sent over some Teeswater sheep,
and one stallion, very recently, to Colonel Johnston, which have
greatly improved the breed of both. Mr. Mac Arthur took over some
Merino sheep, from the King's flock, which are thriving, and the
wool of which is extremely fine; several samples have been
produced in England. The deer in this colony (originally, I
believe, from India) thrive very well, but are of the Rein
species, and rather inclined to be small: I have seen some very
good venison, and of a superior flavour to any I ever eat in
England, though not so fat; the breed might be much improved by a
few being sent of a larger quality. Some time ago several made
their escape from a park belonging to Mr. Harris, who has for
many years been surgeon of the regiment there, and before I left
the colony, they were breeding and running wild in the woods.
Several foreign vessels have within these few years arrived
here on discovery; but nothing material has resulted from their
observations, with which the reader has not been made
acquainted.