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[Page 11]
I now change my discourse to that of a more natural inclination, but by being impeded in what I have just related, it is not very agreeable. When first I embarked in my present pursuit, I fancied I was able to do a great deal more than what I have done, in half the time; but many unseen obstacles have appeared in the way. Had I been liberally supported I could have accomplished my design. What I mean by liberal support is, for a Governor to push on the discovery himself and the public stores to be open on the occasion; for the traveller to be encouraged in the enterprise with the spirit of emulation and for his journies never to interrupted while he was possessed of ardor, or while he was capable of rendering his services beneficial to mankind. I have endeavoured to gain a knowledge of the geography and natural history of the country, at the expence of my constitution.
My ideas have been greatly extended since I visited the cataract of Carring-gurring, respecting the geography of the country, from an interpretation with some natives residing more backward. The conical hill which has been mistaken for Mount Hunter, and bearing from Prospect Hill about SSW¾W, whose distance I suspect to be about 60 miles, I am informed of as follows. That it can only be ascended in Kangaroo and Emu paths, by its being covered with a black stone which cuts both the hands and feet of the natives. I cannot think what stone this can be, unless it is flint. I was given to understand that neither me nor my native (Moowattin) had ever seen any, for it only was met with upon this hill. The trees differ from those in the colony (or cultivated parts.) The sea is to be seen from it; and is only one day's journey to it. Ships at times are seen from it. The sea-coast natives often visit this part. No such water creeks come near it. The main water which falls in this part is discharged into the Hawkesbury, considerably higher up than the Roodie. There are 2 or 3 cataracts in this part of the country, but this was only told to the native who visited this part. The natives are very numerous, savage, and hutch up their shoulders. Moowattin says he has often times been told by other natives of this unaccountable custom of hutching up the shoulders. A cart may be taken all the way, as the ground is forest; but very scrubby in places. There are no rivers to cross, except the Nepean. The distance is described to be great.
This account strengthens a former conjecture of mine, that there was a tract of forest land communicating with the ports about Jervis's Bay. I am much inclined to believe that a communication may be thus opened. But between this long strip of land and the sea coast there is reason to believe the country is very rough and mountainous. In a great measure I have ascertained the first 30 miles to be so. The whole of this account I intended to have investigated, but alas! I have been deceived in my expectation. However it is not improbable, but what disappoints me, may be reasons of appointing some one hereafter to explore the country, supported by notional opulence.
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