192 NEW SOUTH WALES. 



covered with native Bignonias and Passion-flowers, into the kitchen 

 and fruit-garden. These we found well stocked with fruit and vege- 

 tables of almost all European kinds, which seem to thrive particularly 

 well here. The kindness, attention, and hospitality, with which we 

 were received and treated, will long be gratefully remembered. To 

 Mr. M'Leay, the Expedition is indebted for much aid, and through 

 him our collections were increased. The English oak thrives well, 

 and many fine specimens of it were seen. From the information I 

 have received, very many of the Australian plants succeed admirably 

 in England. 



The soil of Sydney consists of black mould, mixed with a clean 

 white sand. The quantity of sand is such, as in the dry seasons to 

 affect the vegetation. This sand I understood is now exported to 

 England at a great profit, being found a valuable article in the 

 manufacture of plate glass. This soil, however, is made to yield a 

 plentiful supply of fruits and vegetables; and the display exhibited at 

 the horticultural exhibition was highly creditable, not only for the 

 perfection to which the productions had been brought, but for their 

 great variety. The exhibition was held in the large market-house in 

 George Street, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion with 

 branches and festoons of flowers. In front of the door was an arch 

 formed of beautiful flowers, with the motto "Advance, Australia," 

 surmounted by a crown, and the letters V. R. in yellow flowers. 

 Behind this the band was stationed, which, on our entrance, struck 

 up Yankee Doodle. Tickets were sent to the consul for those be- 

 longing to the squadron. There were a great many South American 

 plants in pots. A premium was received for Tropeeolum penta- 

 phyllum, Maurandya Barclayana, and for two species of Calceolaria. 

 There were likewise Amaryllis belladonna and umbellata, Bouvardia 

 triphylla, Cobsea scandens, and several Passifloras, and a variety of 

 Hyacinths, Dahlias, Tuberoses, &c, all fine. 



The grapes exhibited were beautiful, and some of them in very 

 large clusters. Nectarines, peaches, apples, pears, small oranges, 

 shaddocks, pine-apples, chestnuts, and walnuts, were also in abun- 

 dance. 



After viewing the fruit we examined the vegetables, which con- 

 sisted of potatoes, carrots, turnips, very large pumpkins, cucumbers, 

 cabbages of different kinds and very fine, particularly the curled 

 Savoy arid early York, tomatoes, celery, squashes, vegetable marrow, 

 beets, capsicums, and beans. 



