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[Page 8]
which is marked among the Specimens (black Thorn) there are many other which time can only discover. On the Banks of the River whch I have named the Southesk, a Species of [blank space] grows here to a small Tree and found in abundance, the Hood is very brittle.
A Farinacious Root has been discovered by Government Swine who were put upon Green Island on our first arrival here which I hope will prove of much utility.
The Guard of Soldiers who had charge of our Stores &c, at the Island made the experiment of rosting it in the Embers for about four hours and found it a tolorable substitute for Potatoes, when grated into Water, and going through it the same process, as that of making Starch from Potatoes it produces a very fine Flour which has been made into Bread of no bad Quality.
This Plant is not new to me (tho' never examined the Roots) having found on the banks of the Hawkesbury in the Year 1793, at Hunter River on an excursion performed in 1801 and in this Country in many places and in great plenty at Egg Island and Upper Island, than any where else I have as yet been. It is Herbacaous and grows from three to ten feet high according to the Soil and Situation, and I think is a Species of Sambrecus [Sambucus].
I am very doubtful whether this useful vegetable is known to the Natives as I have not here observed holes dug in the Ground which produces it. The roots are nearly Two feet deep from the surface, consequently some marks would appear of their having been taken out of the Earth. The same Plant grows at Kents Group, which when known to those who may touch there will be a very acceptable refreshment should they be in want of Vegetables.
I have sent the Governor a Speciman of Green Earth which I discovered (as stated in my Journal) it has all the appearance of containing Copper, the research for which must be given up at present until our Working Hands are augmented and I hope from my report it will soon happen.
The Lady Nelson (Armed Tender) has taken in about Six Tons of the Iron Ore which I have requested the Governor will send to England, and should it prove worthy of notice any Quantity may be procured.
In taking this all on board the Vessel, Actg. Lieutt Symons observed a Stratum of Bitumnous Earth