168 
CBUISE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGED. 
the residence of Mrs. T. Walker and family, who, 
one and all, for kindness and hospitality, stand un- 
rivalled. Theirs is a charming villa, surrounded 
with lovely gardens, orangeries, and pretty walks, 
overlooking the bright and picturesque river. It 
seems impossible to describe the scenery as it should 
be. Many talented writers have written of this place 
and that as beautiful or grand, and by their de- 
scriptions have induced great numbers to visit the 
scenes so praised ; but as I possess no such power, 
the task would be hopeless, were I even to attempt it, 
or try to make others understand the nature of the 
beauty of this place. 
A few miles farther on the river is another 
charming retreat, “Yarralla,” the seat of T. Walker, 
Esq., a mansion replete with every luxury, having 
extensive grounds to match, all laid out with great 
care, where the varied and beautiful combination of 
trees, shrubs, and flowers peculiar to all climates 
makes the picture one of perfection. During my 
stay amidst such lovely scenes, I could not fail to 
enjoy the treat; and I deeply regretted it could not be 
of longer duration, for the end of May had arrived, 
and our time in Australia was drawing to a close, 
when those ties of friendship would be severed. Still, 
although time and distance may separate, there is a 
certain amount of satisfaction in looking back on the 
days spent here with feelings of pleasure ; and I can- 
not refrain from saying, both of Sydney and Mel- 
