BOLAM FARM. 141 



tinue far, for we again approached an open forest 

 country, and a farm at Bolam^ appeared situated 

 on an opposite hill to that over which the road 

 we were then traversing passed. On descend- 

 ing, we crossed a rivulet or creek, (for the terms 

 are synonymous in this country,) called " Bolam 

 Creek ;" and at five p. m., arrived at the neat 

 farm of Mr. James Hassell. We now reached 

 the Argyle country ; and the contrast between 

 this and the portion of the Bathurst district, 

 through which we had passed, was much in fa- 

 vour of the former. The distance of our journey 

 this day was twenty -eight miles ; and our horses, 

 not lately having had good feeding, from the poor- 

 ness of the pasturage, we here gave them a day's 

 rest ; and although we had to regret the absence 

 of Mr. Hassell, we yet received every attention 

 from the persons left in charge. 



We resumed our journey early on the morn- 

 ing of the 30th ; but the day turned out very 

 wet. 



About Bolam Creek, flocks of wild ducks were 

 abundant. These birds were not so wild about 

 creeks as on large rivers. The barn-doors about 

 the farms (in imitation of a similar custom in the 



* The granite soil at Bolam is said to injure the teeth of 

 the sheep, the teeth of young sheep being as much worn 

 down by it as in other soils is often seen in the old sheep. 



