1816.] Journey into the Interior of New South Wales. 77 
only trees throughout the extent of the plains. The level and clean 
surface of these plains gives them at first view very much the ap- 
pearance of lands in a state of cultivation. 
It is impossibie 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 melan- 
choly in the mind which may be more easily imagined than de- 
seribed. | 
The Governor and suite arrived at these Plains on Thursday the 
Ath of May, and encamped on the southern or left bank of the 
Macquarrie River—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 making excursions in diffe- 
rent directions through the adjoining country, on both sides of the 
river. 
On Sunday, the 7th of May, the Governor fixed on a site suit- 
able for the erection of a town at some future period, to which he 
gave the name of Bathurst, in honour of the present Secretary of 
State for the Colonies. The situation of Bathurst is elevated suffi- 
ciently beyond the reach of any floods which may occur, and is at 
the same time so near to the river on its south bank as to derive all 
the advantages of its clear and beautiful stream. ‘The mechanics 
and settlers of whatever description who may be hereafter permitted 
to form permanent residences to themselves at this place will have 
the highly important advantages of a rich and fertile soil, with a 
beautiful river flowing through it, for all the uses of man. The 
Governor must however add, that the hopes which were once so 
sanguinely entertained of this river becoming navigable to the 
Western Sea have ended in disappointment. 
During the week that the Governor remained at Bathurst he 
made daily excursions in various directions; one of these extended 
22 miles in a south-west direction, and on that occasion, as well as 
on all the others, he found the country composed chiefly of vallies 
and plains, separated occasionally by ranges of low hills; the soil 
throughout being generally fertile, and well circumstanced for the 
purpose of agriculture or grazing. 
The Governor here feels much pleasure in being enabled to com- 
municate to the public that the favourable reports which he had re- 
ceived of the country to the west of the Blue Mountains have not 
been by any means exaggerated. The diificulties which present 
themselves in the journey from hence are certainly great and inevi- 
table ; but those persons who may be inclined to become permanent 
settlers there will probably content themselves with visiting this part 
of the colony but rarely, and of course will have them seldom to 
encounter. Plenty of water, and a sufficiency of grass, are to be 
found in the mountains for the support of such cattle as may be 
4 
