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[Page 6]
rats, Bandycoots, opossoms and wild Cats, nearly the same as those about Port Jackson, but the Native Dog has not yet been seen.
The Birds are black Swans in vast Numbers wild Ducks several kinds, a large bird which I think is new, from the very strong smell it has of musk, they have here named it the Musk Duck. These birds does not fly and from their general habit, I rather think they burrow in the banks, and Rivers, where they are generally found. I have sent Mrs. Paterson the skin of one to be forwarded to you. I should have sent it entire in Spirits but that article is very scarce in this part of the world, however I am in hopes when I get a supply I shall be able to send you any animals that are curious, as well as some plants which cannot be sent in a perfect state except in Spirits.
The birds here particularly that of the Parrot kind are very different from those at Sydney and many of those of beautiful pumage; but my time is at present somewhat employed in forwarding the Settlement that it prevents me attending to the collection of