N E W S O U T H W ALES. 89 
bed of the fea^ mui\ doubtlefs have contained a volcano, chap. 
This conckiiioii is formed from the vaft quantity of — ' 
pumice fione which is fcattered in all parts of it, and 
mixed with the foil. The crater, or at leafl fome traces 
of its former exiftenccj v/ill probably be found at the 
fummit of a fmali mountain, which rifes near the middle 
of the ifland. To this mountain the Commandant has 
given the name of Mount Pitt. The ifland is exceed- 
ingly well watered. At, or near Mount Pitt, rifes a ilrong 
and copious ftream, wdiich flowing through a very fine 
valley, divides itfelf into feveral branches, each of which 
retains fufEcient force to be ufed in turning mills : . ' 
and in various parts of the iiland excellent fprings 
have been difcovered. ., . , . ■ 
The climate is pure, flilubrious, and delightful, pre- 
ferved from oppreflive heats by conftant breezes from the 
fea, and of fo mild a temperature throughout the winter, 
that vegetation continues there without interruption, 
one crop fucceeding another. Refrefning iliowers from 
time to time maintain perpetual verdure; not indeed of 
grais, for none has yet been feen upon the iflandj but,^ • 
of the trees, ihrubs, and other vesretables v/hich in all 
parts grow abundantly. On the leaves of thefe, and of 
fome kinds in particular, the flieep, hogs, and goats, • 
not only live, but thrive and fatten very mucin To 
the falubrity of the air every individual in this little 
N colony 
