TOPOGRAPHY OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 



119 



for the shipment of coal has been a great 

 hindrance to the trade, because everything has 

 to be carried in small steamers and trans- 

 shipped at Sydney. At Jervis Bay the largest 

 vessels might lie alongside in perfect shelter, 

 and take their coal direct from cranes or staiths. 

 It is a hundred and seventy miles nearer Mel- 

 bourne than the port of Newcastle, from which 

 the greater part of the coal is at present 

 shipped, and an impression therefore prevails 

 that this saving of distance would draw a large 

 trade to this fine southern port if coal of the 

 best quality can be furnished in combination 

 with unequalled harbour facilities. Jervis Bay, 

 therefore, which for the hundred years since 

 the first founding of the colony, has been of 

 little use except as a port of refuge, may 

 before long show signs of great commercial 

 activity. As to the quality of the coal in this 

 district, it may be noted that there is a striking 

 difference between the seams to the south of 

 Sydney and those to the north. The latter is 

 less bituminous, and more anthracitic in its 

 character. It burns 

 slowly, makes but little 

 smoke, and requires a 

 strong draught. It is 

 much used for steamers 

 that take long voyages, 

 but it is not suitable 

 for making coke or gas. 

 Sailing out of 

 Jervis Bay, Point Per- 

 pendicular, which 

 guards the northern 

 entrance, boldly con- 

 fronts us. It is a steep, 

 stern cliff, rising sheer 

 from the water fully 

 three hundred feet, and 

 its storm-beaten sum- 



THE KIAMA BLOW-HOLE. 



mit, bare of tree or 



shrub, throws a long harsh line against the sky. Leaving Point Perpendicular, the scenery 



still remains charming till the long stretches of flat sand are reached that mark the 



