116 
Account of 
Mr. James Backhouse* 1 , during his visit at the Settlement 
discovered some new plants. 
With respect to animals, birds, and reptiles, I have 
met with few that are not often found in other parts of 
the Colony: we may except a species of kingfisher 
frequenting the Gordon, which I have not seen else¬ 
where. 
The same river was noted for the number of the 
Ornithorhynchus paradoxus found on its banks. Some 
of the officers attempted to keep specimens alive, but 
without success. An Echidna , which had access to a 
place well stocked with ants, lived for some time. 
There is also a large species of fresh-water lobster 
found in the rivers, sometimes eight inches in length : 
the shell is very hard, nearly black in colour; the flavour 
of the flesh is rather strong. Black swans are very 
plentiful, indeed water-fowl of every description abound. 
There is no fish, except a small trout, caught nearer 
the Settlement than Wellington Head. There appears 
to be something in the waters of Macquarie Harbour 
which is injurious to the salt-water fish. They are 
often seen floating dead on the surface. Kangaroos and 
wombats are often caught: the flesh of the former is 
famed for its flavour, that of the wombat is not so 
* As we have mentioned that gentleman's name, it would be an 
act of injustice to him, and to his friend and companion Mr. Walker, 
were we to pass over in silence the interest they took in the spiritual 
welfare of the unfortunate inhabitants of the penal settlement; and 
we cannot too much admire that philanthropic spirit which led these 
gentlemen to leave their native shores, their friends, and their dearest 
ties, to travel so many thousand miles for the sole purpose of 
administering to the wants of their fellow creatures. 
Their stay in these colonies was of some duration, and much good 
attended their labours. Few persons have left after their departure 
so many warm friends and well-wishers. 
