found in most of the freshwater
swamps, within six or seven miles of the coast. But is rarely seen farther
inland. Even the banks of the Hawkesbury are unprovided with it. The inner
part of the trunk of this tree was greedily eaten by our hogs, and
formed their principal support. The grass, as has been remarked in former
publications, does not overspread the land in a continued sward, but arises
in small detached tufts, growing every way about three inches apart, the
intermediate space being bare; though the heads of the grass are often so
luxuriant as to hide all deficiency on the surface. The rare and beautiful
flowering shrubs, which abound in every part, deserve the highest
admiration and panegyric.

Of the vegetable productions transplanted from other climes, maize
flourishes beyond any other grain. And as it affords a strong and nutritive
article of food, its propagation will, I think, altogether supersede that
of wheat and barley.

Horticulture has been attended in some places with tolerable success. At
Rose Hill I have seen gardens which, without the assistance of manure, have
continued for a short time to produce well grown vegetables. But at Sydney,
without constantly dressing the ground, it was in vain to expect them; and
with it a supply of common vegetables might be procured by diligence in
all seasons. Vines of every sort seem to flourish. Melons, cucumbers and
pumpkins run with unbounded luxuriancy, and I am convinced that the grapes
of New South Wales will, in a few years, equal those of any other country.
'That their juice will probably hereafter furnish an indispensable article
of luxury at European tables', has already been predicted in the vehemence
of speculation. Other fruits are yet in their infancy; but oranges, lemons
and figs, (of which last indeed I have eaten very good ones) will, I dare
believe, in a few years become plentiful. Apples and the fruits of colder
climes also promise to gratify expectation. The banana-tree has been
introduced from Norfolk Island, where it grows spontaneously.

Nor will this surprise, if the genial influence of the climate be
considered. Placed in a latitude where the beams of the sun in the
dreariest season are sufficiently powerful for many hours of the day to
dispense warmth and nutrition, the progress of vegetation never is at a
stand. The different temperatures of Rose Hill and Sydney in winter, though
only twelve miles apart, afford, however, curious matter