ADVANTAGES OF COAST. 49 



cellent anchorage is universally to be found along 

 it. The trade wind blows constantly from the S.E., 

 but owing to the strong tides, vessels would be able 

 easily to work up against it, the water being always 

 smooth, compared with the open sea, having no 

 ground swell in consequence of the reefs to wind- 

 ward. This fresh perpetual sea breeze would 

 render the country healthy, notwithstanding the 

 mangrove swamps. These could all be avoided 

 in choosing places of residence, for which spots 

 200 or 300 feet above the sea might easily be 

 selected. The inlets through the mangroves would 

 afford a boat navigation of a few miles into the in- 

 terior of the country. As far as climate is concerned, 

 almost any tropical production might be cultivated, 

 but I have too little confidence in the nature of the 

 soil of any part of Australia to recommend that as a 

 source of profit. If, however, it should be desirable 

 to push the settlements of New South Wales farther 

 to the north, I think this part of the coast has 

 greater natural advantages than any other we have 

 seen. I cannot recommend any particular spot in 

 preference to another, as the subject was not in my 

 thoughts at the time we were upon it.* 



* Penal stations or convict settlements would not, in my 

 opinion, be advisable anywhere to the northward of Sandy Cape, 

 since escape by sea to the northward would be so very easy. The 

 coast being everywhere sheltered by reefs and islands, indented 

 by small bays and mangrove creeks, the frailest canoe might be 

 used along shore, and concealment from pursuit easily obtained, 



VOL. I. E 



