158 
CRUISE OF M.M.S. CHALLENGER. 
boats, and steamers cruising about (for it was Easter 
Monday and high holiday), and the weather being 
beautifully fine, combined to make it one of the 
prettiest scenes possible to imagine. We were now 
seven miles up the harbour, and had passed Fort 
Macquarie, Darling Point, and Garden Island. A 
short distance farther, and we are reminded that our 
voyage is ended — the anchor is let go in Farm Cove. 
Bumboats, shore-boats, washerwomen, dealers in all 
sorts of wares are swarming off soliciting orders. 
Here we found H.M.S. Dido and the German frigate 
Arcona. The fine view afforded from the anchorage, 
with its charming surroundings, was very enjoyable. 
Away to our left is a pretty little bay, its shores 
surmounted by a rough-hewn seat known as Lady 
Macquarie’s Chair; while, stretching to the right, 
are the beautiful park-like reserves of the Botanical 
Gardens ; still farther is the inclosure, at the top 
of which stands Government House, with grounds 
sloping down to the sea, in a position of great 
beauty. This castellated building of freestone has 
an air of magnificence about it such as should 
belong to the residence of the governor of so 
important a colony. * * * 
On first landing in Sydney Cove, one cannot help 
being struck with the many fine buildings rising in 
all directions, including wool stores of five and 
six stories, the Custom House, and numerous hotels. 
Stretching round here is Circular Quay, having an 
