The Swan River was discovered by Captain Stirling on his exploring mission from Sydney in 1827. Two years later Captain Fremantle took formal possession, and the Swan River Settlement was founded. The Home Government was at first doubtful about the project, but was urged on to the settlement through fear of French occupation. Perth itself lies twelve miles up the river; 27 its port is Fremantle, at the mouth of the river, on a deep and safe harbour, crowded with wharves and shipping. It is the main 28 outlet for the trade of all this part of Western Australia. Instead of taking the train we will travel by launch up the Swan River; on our way we notice the large flocks of black swans 29 which are now collected here and preserved by the Government. The city of Perth is smaller and more irregular than Adelaide or Melbourne, and we see it at its best as we approach by the river. It lies rather in a hollow, and from the higher land in 30 the King’s Park we get a fine view along the river front. The main streets differ little from those of other Australian cities; but in St. George’s Terrace they are working on the road, and 31 we notice that the old tree stumps are not yet removed. Although Perth is making very rapid progress, everything is as yet somewhat quieter, more picturesque and on a smaller scale than in the great capitals of the eastern States. On the outskirts of the city, especially overlooking the river, are the gardens and houses of the wealthier residents. Here is one of these; notice 32 the lemon trees laden with fruit, although it is winter. In the country round we shall feel quite at home. Here we have a picture with pasture and scattered trees and fat cattle; and we pass a 33 poultry farm which might well be in a corner of Surrey. Let us follow the Swan, now become the Avon River, inland. First we come to Newcastle, where there are many orange orchards in the broad valley; then we pass the township of Northam, where we meet a native woman on the road, and finally we reach York. From 34 one of the surrounding hills we look down on a broad expanse of plain, dotted with farmhouses, and with a background of hills in 35 the distance. There is a flour mill which might be in our own Yorkshire, and a very English-looking church on the sloping bank 36 above the river. All looks settled and civilised. On the other 37 hand, the King’s Head hotel is entirely primitive, and carries 38 us back to the days of the early settlers, as it is one of the oldest buildings in the State. As we cross the bridge we notice that the trees are standing in the water, for the river is in flood.