New South Wales. 223 
Sidmouth Valley, the governor was highly gratified by the ap- 
pearance of the country, which there began to exhibit an open 
an extensive view of gently rising grounds and fertile plains.— 
Judging from the height of the banks, and its general width, the 
“Campbell River must be on some occasions of very considerable 
magnitude ; but the extraordinary drought which has apparently 
prevailed on the western side of the mountains, equally as through- 
out this colony for the last three years, has reduced this river so 
much that it may be more properly called a chain of pools than 
arunning streamat the present time. In the reaches or pools of 
the Campbell River, the very curious animal called the paradox, or 
water-mole, is seen in great numbers, The soil on both banks 
is uncommonly rich, and the grass is consequently luxuriant. — 
Two miles to the southward of the line of road which crosses 
the Campbell River, there is a very fine rich tract of low lands, 
which has been named Mitchell Plains. Flax was found here 
gtowing in considerable quantities—The Fish River, which 
forms a junction with the Campbell River a few miles to the 
northward of the road and bridge over the latter, has also two 
very fertile plains on its banks, the one called O’Connell Plains, 
and the other Macquarie Plains, both of considerable extent, 
and very capable of yielding all the necessaries of life. 
** At the distance of seven miles from the bridge over the 
Campbell River, Bathurst Plains open to the view, presenting a 
rich tract of champaign country of !1 miles in length, bounded 
on both sides by gently rising and very beautiful hills, thinly- 
wooded, The Macquarie River, which is constituted by the junc- 
tion of the Fish and Campbell River, takes a winding course 
through the plains, which can be easily traced from the high 
lands adjoining, by the particular verdure of the trees on its 
banks, which are likewise the only trees throughout the extent 
of the plains.—The level and clean surface of these plains gives 
them at first view very much-the appearance of lands in a state 
of cultivation. 
“ It is impossible to behold this grand scene without a feeling 
of admiration and surprise, whilst the silence and solitude which 
reign in a space of such extent and beauty as seems designed by 
Nature for the occupancy and comfort of man, create a degree 
of melancholy in the mind which may be more easily imagined 
than described. 
“ The governor and suite arrived at these plains on Thursday 
the 4th of May, and encamped on the southern or left bank of 
the Macquarie Riyer—the situation being selected in consequence 
of its commanding a beautiful and extensive prospect for many 
miles in every direction around it.—At this place the governor 
remained for a week, which time he occupied in raaking exeur- 
se sidus 
