Two Expeditions into the Interior of Southern Australia — Volume ISturt, Charles
History
Two Expeditions into the Interior of Southern Australia — Volume I
Sturt, Charles
New South Wales -- Discovery and exploration; Sturt, Charles, 1795-1869
The general appearance of the property of Dr. Harris, showed how much
perseverance and labour had effected towards its improvement. Many
acres of ground bore a promising crop, over which a gloomy forest had
once waved. The Doctor's farming establishment was as complete as his
husbandry seemed to be prosperous; but he did not appear to be
satisfied with the extent of his dwelling, to which he was making
considerable additions, although I should have thought it large enough
for all ordinary purposes of residence or hospitality. The rewards of
successful industry were everywhere visible.
FROM EMU PLAINS TO WELLINGTON VALLEY.
On the 13th, we gained Regent's Ville, the more splendid mansion of Sir
John Jamieson, which overlooks the Nepean River, and commands the most
beautiful and extensive views of the Blue Mountains. Crossing the ford
on the 14th, we overtook the men as they were toiling up the first
ascent of those rugged bulwarks, which certainly gave no favourable
earnest of the road before us; and, as we could scarcely hope to reach
the level country to the westward without the occurrence of some
accident, I determined to keep near the drays, that I might be on hand
should my presence be required. We gained O'Connell's plains on the
20th November, and arrived at Bathurst on the 22nd, with no other
damage than the loss of one of the props supporting the boat which
snapped in two as we descended Mount York. On examination, it was found
that the boat had also received a slight contusion, but it admitted of
easy repair.
I was detained at Bathurst longer than I intended, in consequence of
indisposition, and during my stay there experienced many proofs of the
kind hospitality of the settlers of that promising district: nor was I
ever more impressed with the importance of the service upon which I was
employed, or more anxious as to the issue, than while contemplating the
rapid advance of agriculture upon its plains, and the formidable bar to
its prosperity which I had left behind me, in the dark and gloomy
ranges which I had crossed.
On the 27th, Mr. Hamilton Hume, whose experience well qualified him for
the task, and who had been associated with me in the expedition, having
joined me, we proceeded on our journey, and reached Wellington Valley
about the end of the month.
WELLINGTON VALLEY.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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