y in consequence of the loss of
labour, but the chance of accidents during a long journey, the more the
distance is increased from Sydney, as the only place at which the
absolute necessaries of life can be purchased, the greater becomes the
objection to a residence in such a part of the country; and on this
account it is, that although some beautiful locations both as to extent
and richness, are to be found to the westward of Bathurst, equally on
the Bell, the Macquarie and the Lachlan, it is not probable they will
be taken up for many years, or will only be occupied as distant stock
stations.

CHARACTER OF EASTERN COAST.

Since, therefore, it appears from what has been advanced, that it is
not to the westward the views of any settlers should be directed,
excepting under particular circumstances, it remains for us to consider
what other parts of the colony hold out, or appear to hold out, greater
advantages. The eye naturally turns to the south on the one hand, and
to Port Macquarie northerly on the other. It is to be remarked that the
eastern shores of Australia partake of the same barren character that
marks the other three. It is generally bounded to a certain extent by a
sandy and sterile tract. There are, however, breaks in so prolonged a
line, as might have been expected, where, from particular local causes,
both the soil and vegetation are of a superior kind. At Illawarra for
instance, the contiguity of the mountains to the coast leaves no room
for the sandy belt we have noticed, but the debris from them reaches to
the very shore. Whether from reflected heat, or from some other
peculiarity of situation, the vegetation of Illawarra is of an
intertropical character, and birds that are strangers to the county of
Cumberland frequent its thickets. There is no part of Australia where
the feathered race are more beautiful, or more diversified. The most
splendid pigeon, perhaps, that the world produces, and the satin bird,
with its lovely eye, feed there upon the berries of the ficus (wild
fig,) and other trees: and a numerous tribe of the accipitrine class
soar over its dense and spacious forests.

PORT MACQUARIE AND FIVE ISLANDS.

We again see a break in the sandy line of the coast at Broken Bay, at
Newcastle, and still further north at Port Macquarie; at which places
the Hawkesbury, the Hunter, and the Hastings severally debouche. Of
Port Macquarie, as a place of settlement, I entertain a very high
opinion, in co