Macquarie Harbour . 
115 
Celery-top Pine, the Wattle (Acacia decurrens ), usually 
employed in the Colony, not growing at Macquarie 
Harbour- The leather, although well tanned, be¬ 
came of a disagreeable red colour, which stained the 
stockings. 
Kangaroo skins were often to be obtained from the 
soldiers, who were allowed to go out in small parties to 
hunt, both for the benefit of their health and for recreation. 
When tobacco has been scarce, I have seen half a dozen 
skins given for as many inches of negrohead. 
In 1828 between three and four hundred skins were 
received into store from the soldiers, who, by the authority 
of Government, were allowed in such cases a moderate 
compensation in spirits, or in tea or sugar, at the discre¬ 
tion of the Commandant. 
It has already been stated that Philip’s Island produced 
a quantity of potatoes, whilst at the same time pigs were 
kept on the farm. A further quantity of both was annually 
purchased from the pilot, who had the means of cultivating 
the one and rearing the other at his station at the heads. 
He occasionally killed a whale, the oil from which was 
also purchased by the Government. 
A more extensive system of cultivation might have been 
adopted, but was interdicted by the Government, as it 
was considered that the dreariness of Macquarie Harbour 
was its chief recommendation as a penal settlement. 
Even the appearance of comfort was prohibited. 
Coal has been found in several places in the vicinity of 
the Settlement, particularly at Coal Head, nearly opposite 
to Philip’s Island. It was not, however, dug, but some of 
the pieces found on the surface burnt very well. 
To botanists Macquarie Harbour offers the means 
of much instruction and amusement. We believe that 
that highly respectable member of the Society of Friends, 
i 2 
