“ The general tides are regular and usually equal, flowing by the shore 
six hours each way. 
“Norfolk Island is very well supplied with water of excellent quality. 
The rain which falls during the year is moderate in quantity; sometimes, 
as might be expected in a country so near the Tropics, it falls abundantly; 
vegetation is hence most luxuriant. Fogs and mists are unknown. In 
the summer seasons the prevailing winds are generally dry and from the 
eastward. In the winter months they come chiefly from the opposite quarter, 
accompanied by clouds and showers. The temperature may be considered both 
moderate and equable. The climate, although somewhat relaxing, is considered 
salubrious. 
“ The soil is of exuberant fertility, so that the rewards of industry may 
be obtained without its exertion. Forest trees grow in great abundance. 
The most striking objects that meet the eye on nearing the land are the lofty 
tops of the Norfolk Island pine. This, one of the most elegant of conifers, 
towers high above the surrounding forest, or takes its position singly or in 
clumps on the very verge of the ocean. It thus forms a characteristic feature 
in the landscape. In height, it may formerly have ranged from 150 to 200 
feet, but of late years few trees of this latter elevation have escaped the axe. 
“ Phillip Island is about five miles distant; it is 1[ miles long, f of a mile 
broad, the general elevation being greater than that of Norfolk Island, and 
averaging 800 to 900 feet above the level of the sea. In physical structure 
the two islands are identical, Phillip Island consisting of porphyritic rocks more 
or less disintegrated, and a small quantity of calcareous grit, known as the 
Sloop Rock, on the shore. 
“ Nepean, situated within the foi’iner, is about 400 yards from the beach 
of Norfolk Island. It is a rugged, rocky islet, a quarter of a mile long, and of 
a horse-shoe form, open to the east. Formed entirely of marine limestone, 
it rises about 50 feet above the level of the sea, and serves as a habitation to 
birds, and to them alone. 
“ Rocks, chiefly basaltic, which are separated from the northern coast of 
Norfolk Island by rapid currents and worn into caverns by their waves, con¬ 
stitute the Bird Islands.” 
The original settlement on Norfolk Island was on the south side, and 
landing from boats was effected at the northern or southern side of the island, 
according to the direction and force of the wind. 
After the cessation of transportation, Norfolk Island was again unin¬ 
habited, till the descendants of the muniteers of the “ Bounty ” were brought 
there from Pitcairn Island. Some of these returned home, but many stayed. 
XI. 
