nsequence of its being situated under a most favourable
parallel latitude. I am convinced it holds out many substantial
advantages. One of the most important of these is the circumstance of
its having been much improved when occupied as a penal settlement. And
since the shores of the colony are how navigated by steam-boats, the
facility of water communication would be proportionably great.

I believe the Five Islands or Illawarr district is considered
peculiarly eligible for small settlers. The great drawback to this
place is the heavy character of its timber and the closeness of its
thickets, which vie almost with the American woods in those respects.
The return, however, is adequate to the labour required in clearing the
ground. Between the Five Islands and Sydney, a constant intercourse is
kept up by numerous small craft; and a communication with the interior,
by branch roads from the great southern line to the coast, would
necessarily be thrown open, if the more distant parts of it were
sufficiently peopled.

RICH TRACTS IN THE INTERIOR.

Recent surveys have discovered to us rich and extensive tracts in the
remote interior between Jervis Bay and Bateman's Bay, and southwards
upon the western slope of the dividing range. The account given by
Messrs. Hovel and Hume is sufficient to prove that every valley they
crossed was worthy of notice, and that the several rivers they forded
were flanked by rich and extensive flats.

The distance of Moneroo Plains, and of the Doomot and Morumbidgee
Rivers from Sydney, alarms the settler, who knows not the value of
those localities; but men whose experience has taught them to set this
obstacle at nought, have long depastured their herds on the banks of
the last two. The fattest cattle that supply the Sydney market are fed
upon the rich flats, and in the grassy valleys of the Morumbidgee; and
there are several beautiful farms upon those of the Doomot. Generally
speaking, the persons who reside in those distant parts, pay little
attention to the comfort of their dwellings, or to the raising of more
grain than their establishments may require; but there can be no doubt
this part of the interior ought to be the granary of New South Wales;
its climate and greater humidity being more favourable than that of
Sydney for the production of wheat.

PERIODICAL DROUGHTS; THE SEASONS AFFECTED BY THE MARSHES.

The most serious disadvantages under which the colony of New South
Wales labours