Ixxviii DISCOVERIES or messes, meciian, 
Meehan, accompanied by Mr. Hamilton Hume, 
a colonist of considerable experience, explored 
the country more to the southward and west- 
ward of Sydney, and discovered most of the new 
country called Argyle, and also Lake Bathurst. 
Mr. Hume was afterwards associated with a 
Mr. Hovel, in an excursion to the south coast, 
under the auspices of Sir Thomas Brisbane. 
After a most persevering and laborious journey, 
they reached the sea ; but it is uncertain whether 
they made Port Philips, or Western Port. Mr. 
Hume, whose practical experience will yield to 
that of no man, entertains a conviction that it 
was to the former they descended from the 
neighbouring ranges ; but Mr. Hovel, I believe, 
supports a contrary opinion. In the early stage 
of their journey, they passed over York or Yass 
Plains; and, after crossing the Morumbidgee, 
were generally entangled among mountain ranges 
that increased in height to the east and south- 
east. They crossed three considerable rivers, 
falling westerly, which they named the Goul- 
burn, the Hume, and the Ovens ; and found a 
beautiful and well-watered country in the vici- 
nity of the coast. 
In 1826 , Mr. Allan Cunningham, Botanical 
