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James O’Hara in his book The History of New South Wales, 2nd ed., J. Hatchford, Piccadilly, 1818; chronicles the first attempts to cross, and subsequently the first tour by Governor Macquarie across the Blue Mountains, which posed such a formidable barrier, to the interior of the colony, for the early settlers of Port Jackson; also appended is an account of George Evans expedition to the Lachlan River in 1815.
pp. 83-84.
“Further discoveries to the westward still continued to be anxiously desired. But the mountains, so long contemplated with an eye of curiosity, had not only not yet been passed but had never even yet been reached. Mr. Dawes with a small party about this time [late 1789], exerted his well-known activity, in an effort at least to penetrate to their base. For this purpose he proposed tracing for some length and then crossing, a river first seen by Captain Tench * [Footnote - * The officer mentioned in page 28.] and named the Nepean. Its course was northerly. It was supposed to be a branch of the Hawkesbury. That he might be as little encumbered as possible, he carried with him only just the quantity of provisions that he thought might be necessary. From this excursion he returned on the ninth day, without having accomplished his design having met with nothing after quitting the river on the further side, but a succession of dells and ravines nearly impassable. He computed he had reached within about ten miles of the mountains.”
pp. 158-159.
“At this period of our narrative [1793], it will doubtless appear extraordinary, that the Blue Mountains, notwithstanding many attempts for the purpose, should never yet have been reached. An expedition undertaken at this time by Captain Paterson, of the New South Wales corps, whose journies [sic] in Africa had already been the subject of printed narratives, was to be numbered with these unsuccessful and, it must be supposed, difficult enterprises. He set out accompanied by Captain Johnston, Mr. Laing, the assistant-surgeon, and Mr. Palmer, with attendants, the party taking with them provisions for six weeks. Boats were sent round to meet them in Broken Bay, whence they got into the Hawkesbury, and the fourth day reached Richmond Hill. Governor Phillip’s final attempt to explore this river, had been obstructed by a fall of water [Yarramundi], past which his boats were too heavy to be dragged. This difficulty Captain Paterson overcame, by quitting his large boats and proceeding with two that were smaller and lighter. In this part of the river, in a space of about ten miles, he met with no less than five water-falls. The navigation was here so intricate, lying sometimes amongst large fragments of rocks that had the appearance of having been borne down by torrents, and at other times impeded by fallen trees, that after one boat had had a plank loosened and the other its bottom forced in, the party gave up any further effort, and was obliged to be satisfied with having proceeded ten miles beyond what had ever before been done. The newly-discovered part of the river they denominated the Grose, and a high peak which they came in view of, they called Harrington Peak. - Captain Paterson in this expedition was very highly gratified as a botanist. - He met in his progress with but few natives, and these he remarked to be nearly unintelligible to some that accompanied him. The party returned on the 22nd of September.
“The sportsmen of England will not easily conceive the impossibility, during the space of nearly six years, (reckoning from the first settlement of the colony), of traversing a tract of country of at most sixty miles, whatever might be the obstructions; and when it is considered, that besides amusement, these enterprises had the additional incitements of strong curiosity and ambition of success, the circumstance must appear the more extraordinary.”
pp. 187-188
“The attempt to penetrate and if possible to pass the mountains was at this time renewed [1794]. One Henry Hacking, who had formerly belonged to the Sirius, and who was considered as a very active and hardy sportsman, was fixed upon for the expedition. He accordingly set off properly equipped and provided, and accompanied by one or two other persons. In the attempt to pass this formidable barrier, he failed. He effected however considerably more than any of his predecessors; for he at least reached the mountains, and even penetrated to the extent of several miles. He returned with the account, that new and apparently endless ridges and precipices had obliged him to relinquish the undertaking. He had had a view, and that but momentary, of one human being, who fled at his approach.”
p. 210
“The old attempt was now (June) [1796] renewed, to explore and if possible to pass the Blue Mountains. The leader of this expedition, Mr. Bass, surgeon of the Reliance, was considered and has since proved himself well calculated for enterprises of intelligence and activity. He was however in this instance baffled, and returned with a report that after innumerable difficulties, having ascended to a great height, he could only descry another apparently impracticable ridge, with intervening woods.”
p. 245.
“The Blue Mountains still remained the same invincible barrier as before. Many were the attempts to pass them. Amongst the various enterprises of this kind, is to be numbered that of Monsieur Barrallier [1802], an ensign in the New South Wales corps. Better success was augured from French vivacity; but although Monsieur Barralier was acknowledged to have effected more in this instance than any other person, yet he failed of his object, with all the rest.”
pp. 436-462.
“Passage of the Mountains.
“THE passage of the mountains to the west of the settlement, so long an object of the highest interest and curiosity, was effected towards the beginning of 1814, by Mr. George William Evans, and the nature of the country beyond, ascertained. By the beginning of 1815, a road was made over them, and in the month of April following, they were crossed by the governor in person; the particulars of whose narrative, as published by him on the occasion for the information of the colony, we here subjoin.
“ ‘Government House, Sydney,
June 10, 1815.
“ ‘The governor [Lachlan Macquarie] desires to communicate, for the information of the public, the result of his late tour over the Western Blue Mountains, undertaken for the purpose of being enabled personally to appreciate the importance of the tract of country lying westward of them; which had been explored in the latter end of the year 1813 and the beginning of 1814 by Mr. George William Evans, deputy surveyor of lands.
“ ‘To those who know how very limited a tract of country has been hitherto occupied by the colonists of New South Wales, extending along the eastern coast to the north and south of Port Jackson only eighty miles, and westward about forty miles to the foot of that chain of mountains in the interior which forms its western boundary, it must be a subject of astonishment and regret, that amongst so large a population no one appeared within the first twenty-five years of the establishment of this settlement possessed of sufficient energy of mind to induce him fully to explore a passage over these mountains: - but, when it is considered that for the greater part of that time even this circumscribed portion of country afforded sufficient produce for the wants of the people, whilst on the other hand the whole surface of the country beyond those limits was a thick and in many places nearly an impenetrable forest, the surprise at the want of effort to surmount such difficulties must abate very considerably.
“ ‘The records of the colony only afford two instances of any bold attempt having been made to discover the country to the westward of the Blue Mountains, - The first was by Mr. Bass, and the other by Mr. Caley, and both ended in disappointment - a circumstance which will not be much wondered at by those who have lately crossed those mountains.
“ ‘To Gregory Blaxland and William Wentworth, Esquires, and Lieutenant Lawson, of the Royal Veteran Company [formed in 1810 and disbanded in 1823], the merit is due of having, with extraordinary patience and much fatigue, effected the first passage over the most rugged and difficult part of the Blue Mountains.
“ ‘The governor, being strongly impressed with the importance of the object, had, early after his arrival in this colony, formed the resolution of encouraging the attempt to find a passage to the western country, and willingly availed himself of the facilities which the discoveries of these three gentlemen afforded him. Accordingly, on the 20th of November 1813, he entrusted the accomplishment of this object to Mr. George William Evans, deputy surveyor of lands, the result of whose journey was laid before the public.
“ ‘The favourable account given by Mr. Evans of the country he had explored, induced the governor to cause a road to be constructed for the passage and conveyance of cattle and provisions to the interior; and men of good character, from amongst a number of convicts who had volunteered their services, were selected to perform this arduous work, on condition of being fed and clothed during the continuance of their labour, and being granted emancipations as their final reward on the completion of the work.
 “ ‘The direction and superintendence of this great work was entrusted to William Cox, Esq. the chief magistrate at Windsor; and to the astonishment of every one who knows what was to be encountered, and sees what has been done, he effected its completion in six months from the time of its commencement, happily without the loss of a man, or any serious accident. The governor is at a loss to appreciate fully the services rendered by Mr. Cox to this colony, in the execution of this arduous work, which promises to be of the greatest public utility, by opening a new source of wealth to the industrious and enterprising. When it is considered that Mr. Cox voluntarily relinquished the comforts of his own house, and the society of his numerous family, and exposed himself to much personal fatigue, with only such temporary covering as a bark hut could afford from the inclemency of the season, it is difficult to express the sentiments of approbation to which such privations and services are entitled.
“ ‘Mr. Cox having reported the road as completed on the 21st of January last, the governor, accompanied by Mrs. Macquarie and that gentleman, commenced his tour on the 25th of April, over the Blue Mountains, and was joined by Sir John Jamieson at the Nepean, who accompanied him during the entire tour, - The following gentlemen composed the governor’s suite: Mr. Campbell, secretary; Capt. Antill, major of brigade [Antill’s Journal]; Lieut. Watts, aid-de-camp [sic]’ Mr. Redfern, assistant-surgeon; Mr. Oxley, surveyor-general; Mr. Meehan, deputy surveyor-general; Mr. Lewin, painter and naturalist; and Mr. G.W. Evans, deputy survyor of lands, who had been sent forward for the purpose of making further discoveries, and rejoined the party on the day of arrival at Bathurst Plains.
“ ‘The commencement of the ascent from Emu Plains to the first depot, and thence to a resting place, now called Spring Wood [Lewin’s Watercolour], distant twelve miles from Emu Ford, was through a very handsome open forest of lofty trees, and much more practicable and easy than expected. The facility of the ascent for this distance excited surprise, and it is certainly not well calculated to give the traveller a just idea of the difficulties he has afterwards to encounter. - At a further distance of four miles a sudden change is perceived in the appearance of the timber and the quality of the soil - the former becoming stunted, and the latter barren and rocky. At this place the fatigues of the journey may be said to commence. Here the country becomes altogether mountainous, and extremely rugged. - Near to the eighteenth mile mark (it is to be observed that the measure commences from Emu Ford) a pile of stones attracted attention: it is close to the line of road, on the top of a rugged and abrupt ascent, and is supposed to have been placed there by Mr. Cayley, as the extreme limit of his tour: - hence the governor gave that part of the mountain the name of Cayley’s Repulse. To have penetrated even so far, was at that time an effort of no small difficulty. - From hence, forward to the twenty-sixth mile, is a succession of steep and rugged hills, some of which are almost so abrupt as to deny a passage altogether; but at this place a considerably extensive plain is arrived at, which constitutes the summit of the Western Mountains [Blue Mountains]; and from thence a most extensive and beautiful prospect presents itself on all sides to the eye. The town of Windsor, the river Hawkesbury, Prospect Hill, and other objects within that part of the colony now inhabited, of equal interest, are distinctly seen from hence. - The majestic grandeur of the situation, combined with the various objects to be seen from this place, induced the governor to give it the appellation of the King’s Table Land. On the S.W. side of the King’s Table Land the mountain terminates in abrupt precipices of immense depth, at the bottom of which is a glen, as romantically beautiful as can be imagined, bounded on the further side by mountains of great magnitude, terminating equally abruptly as the others; and the whole thickly covered with timber. The length of this picturesque and remarkable tract of country is about twenty-four miles, to which the governor gave the name of The Prince Regent’s Glen [The Jamieson and Kanimbla Valleys]. - Proceeding hence to the thirty-third mile on top of a hill, an opening presents itself on the S.W. side of the Prince Regent’s Glen, from whence a view is obtained particularly beautiful and grand - mountains rising beyond mountains, with stupendous masses of rock in the fore-ground, here strike the eye with admiration and astonishment [It is evident that the governor was looking across to Mount Solitary and the Blue Breaks in the distance]. The circular form in which the whole is so wonderfully disposed, induced the governor to give the name of Pitt’s Amphitheatre (in honour of the late right honourable William Pitt) to this offset or branch from the Prince Regent’s Glen. The road continues from hence, for the space of seventeen miles, on the ridge of the mountain which forms one side of the Prince Regent’s Glen, and there it suddenly terminates in nearly a perpendicular precipice of 676 feet high, as ascertained by measurement. The road constructed by Mr. Cox down this rugged and tremendous descent, through all its windings, is no less than three-fourths of a mile in length, and has been executed with much skill and stability as reflects much credit to him. The labour here undergone, and the difficulties surmounted, can only be appreciated by those who view this scene. In order to perpetuate the memory of Mr. Cox’s services, the governor deemed it a tribute justly due to him, to give his name to this grand and extraordinary  pass; and he according [sic] called it Cox’s Pass. Having descended into the valley at the bottom of this pass, the retrospective view of the overhanging mountains is magnificently grand. Although the present pass is the only practicable point yet discovered for descending by, yet the mountain is much higher than those on either side of it, from whence it is distinguished at a considerable distance, when approaching it from the interior, and in this point of view it has the appearance of a very high distinct hill, although it is in fact only the abrupt termination of a ridge. The governor gave the name of Mount York to this termination of the ridge, in honour of His Royal Highness the Duke of York.
“ ‘On descending Cox’s Pass, the governor was much gratified by the appearance of good pasture land and soil fit for cultivation, which was the first he had met with since the commencement of his tour. The valley at the base of Mount York he called the Vale of Clwyd, in consequence of the strong resemblance it bore to the vale of that name in North Wales. The grass in this vale is of a good quality and very abundant, and a rivulet of fine water runs along it from the eastward, which unites itself at the western extremity of the vale with another rivulet containing still more water. - The junction of these two streams forms a very handsome river, now called by the governor Cox’s River; which takes its source, as has been  since ascertained, through the Prince Regent’s Glen, and empties itself into the river Nepean; and it is conjectured, from the nature of the country through which it passes, that it must be one of the principal causes of the floods which have been occasionally felt on the river Hawkesbury, into which the Nepean discharges itself. The Vale of Clwyd, from the base of Mount York, extends six miles in a westerly direction, and has its termination at Cox’s River. Westward of this river the country again becomes hilly, but is generally open forest land, and very good pasturage.
“ ‘Three miles to the westward of the Vale of Clwyd, Messrs. Blaxland, Wentworth, and Lawson, had formerly terminated their excursion; and when the various difficulties are considered which  they had to contend with, especially until they had effected the descent from Mount York, to which place they were obliged to pass through a thick brush-wood, where they were under the necessity of cutting a passage for their baggage horses, the severity of which labour had seriously affected their healths, their patient endurance of such fatigue cannot fail to excite much surprise and admiration. - In commemoration of their merits, three beautiful high hills joining each other at the end of their tour at this place, have received their names in the following order, viz - Mount Blaxland, Wentworth’s Sugar Loaf, and Lawson’s Sugar Loaf. A range of very lofty hills and narrow valleys alternately form the tract of country from Cox’s River, for a distance of sixteen miles, until the Fish River is arrived at; and the stage between these rivers is consequently very severe and oppressive on the cattle. To this range the governor gave the name of Clarence Hilly Range.
 “ ‘Proceeding from the Fish River, and at a short distance from it, a very singular and beautiful mountain attracts the attention, its summit being crowned with a very extraordinary-looking rock, nearly circular in form, which gives to the whole very much the appearance of a hill fort, such as are frequent in India. - To this lofty hill Mr. Evans, who was the first European discoverer, gave the name of Mount Evans. Passing on from hence the country continues hilly, but affords good pasturage, gradually improving to Sidmouth Valley, which is distant from the pass of the Fish River eight miles. The land here is level, and the first met with unencumbered with timber: it is not of very considerable extent, but abounds with a great variety of herbs and plants, such as would probably highly interest and gratify the scientific botanist. - This beautiful little valley runs north-west and south-east, between hills of easy ascent, thinly covered with timber. - Leaving Sidmouth Valley, the country becomes again hilly, and in other respects resembles very much the country to the eastward of the valley for some miles. Having reached Campbell River, distant thirteen miles from Sidmouth Valley, the governor was highly gratified by the appearance of the country, which there began to exhibit an open and extensive view of gently rising grounds and fertile plains. - Judging from the height of the banks, and its general width, the Campbell River must be in some parts of very considerable magnitude; but the extraordinary drought which has apparently prevailed on the western side of the mountains, equally as throughout this colony for the last three years, has reduced this river so much that it may be more properly called a chain of pools than a running stream at the present time. In the reaches or pools of the Campbell River, the very curious animal called the paradox, or water-mole [Platypus], is seen in great numbers. The soil on both banks is uncommonly rich, and the grass is consequently luxuriant. - Two miles to the southward of the line of road which crosses the Campbell River, there is a very fine rich tract of low lands, which has been named Mitchell Plains. Flax was found here growing in considerable quantities. - The Fish River, which forms a junction with the Campbell River a few miles to the northward of the road and bridge over the latter, has also two very fertile plains on its banks, the one called O’Connell Plains, and the other Macquarie Plains, both of considerable extent, and very capable of yielding all the necessaries of life.
 “ ‘At the distance of seven miles from the bridge over the Campbell River, Bathurst Plains open to the view, presenting a rich tract of champaign country of eleven miles in length, bounded on both sides by gently rising and very beautiful hills, thinly wooded. The Macquarie River, which is constituted by the junction of the Fish and Campbell Rivers, takes a winding course through the plains, which can be easily traced from the high land adjoining, by the particular verdure of the trees on its banks, which are likewise the only trees throughout the extent of the plains. - The level and clean surface of these plains gives them at first view very much the appearance of lands in a state of cultivation.
“ ‘It is impossible to behold this grand scene without a feeling of admiration and surprise, whilst the silence and solitude which reign in a space of such extent and beauty as seems designed by Nature for the occupancy and comfort of man, create a degree of melancholy in the mind which may be more easily imagined than described.
“ ‘The governor and suite arrived at these plains on Thursday the 4th of May, and encamped on the southern or left bank of the Macquarie River - the situation being selected in consequence of its commanding a beautiful and extensive prospect for many miles in every direction around it. - At this place the governor remained for a week, which time he occupied in making excursions in different directions through the adjoining country, on both sides of the river.
“ ‘On Sunday, the 7th of May, the governor fixed on a site suitable for the erection of a town at some future period, to which he gave the name of Bathurst, in honour of the present secretary of state for the colonies. - The situation of Bathurst is elevated sufficiently beyond the reach of any floods which may occur, and is at the same time so near to the river on its south bank as to derive all the advantages of its clear and beautiful stream. The mechanics and settlers of whatever description who may be hereafter permitted to form permanent residences to themselves at this place, will have the highly important advantages of a rich and fertile soil, with a beautiful river flowing through it, for all the uses of man. The governor must however add, that the hopes which were at first so sanguinely entertained, of this river becoming navigable to the Western Sea, have needed in disappointment.
“ ‘During the week that the governor remained at Bathurst, he made excursions in various directions: one of these extended twenty-two miles in a south-west direction, and on that occasion, as well as on others, he found the country composed chiefly of valleys and plains, separated occasionally by ranges of low hills; - the soil throughout being generally fertile, and well circumstanced for the purpose of agriculture or grazing.
“ ‘The governor here feels much pleasure in being enabled to communicate to the public, that the favourable reports which he received of the country to the west of the Blue Mountains have not been by any means exaggerated, - the difficulties which present themselves in the journey from hence are certainly great and inevitable; but those persons who may be inclined to become permanent settlers there, will probably content themselves with visiting this part of the colony but rarely, and of course will have them seldom to encounter. - Plenty of water and a sufficiency of grass are to be found in the mountains for the support of such cattle as may be sent over them’ and the tracts of fertile soil and rich pasturage which the new country affords, are fully extensive enough for any increase of population and stock which can possibly take place for many years.
“ ‘Within a distance of ten miles of Bathurst, there is not less than fifty thousand acres of land clear of timber, and fully one half of that may be considered excellent soil, well calculated for cultivation. It is a matter of regret, that in proportion as the soil improves the timber degenerates; and it is to be remarked, that every where to the westward of the mountains it is much inferior both in size and quality to that within the present colony: there is, however, a sufficiency of timber of tolerable quality within the district around Bathurst, for the purposes of house-building and husbandry.
“ ‘The governor has here to lament, that neither coals nor lime-stone have yet been discovered in the western country; articles in themselves of so much importance, that the want of them must be severely felt whenever that country shall be settled.’
“ ‘Having enumerated the principal and most important features of this new country, the governor has now to notices some of its live productions. All around Bathurst abounds in a variety of game; and the two principal rivers contain a great variety of fish, but all of one denomination, resembling the perch in appearance, and of a delicate and fine flavour, not unlike that of a rock cod: this fish grows to a large size, and is very voracious. Several of them were caught during the governor’s stay at Bathurst, and at the halting-place on the Fish River. One of those caught weighed 17lbs. and the people stationed at Bathurst reported that they had caught some weighing 25lbs.’
“ ‘The field game are the kangaroos, emus, black swans, wild geese, wild turkeys, bustards, ducks of various kinds, quail, bronze, and other pigeons, &c. &c,. The water-mole [Platypus], or paradox, also abounds in all the rivers and ponds.’
“ ‘The site designed for the town of Bathurst, by observation taken at the flag-staff, which was erected on the day of Bathurst receiving that name, is situated in latitude 32 degrees 24 minutes 30 seconds south, and in longitude 149 degrees 37 minutes 45 seconds east of Greenwich, being also 27 1/2 miles north of Government House in Sydney, and 94 1/2 west of it, bearing 20 degrees 30 minutes north, 83 geographic miles [nautical miles], or 95 1/2 statute miles; the measured road distance from Sydney to Bathurst being 140 English miles.
“ ‘The road constructed by Mr. Cox and the party under him commences at Emu Ford, on the left bank of the river Nepean, and is thence carried 101 1/2 miles to the flag-staff at Bathurst: this road has been carefully measured, and each mile regularly marked on the trees growing on the left side of the road proceeding towards Bathurst.
“ ‘The governor in his tour made the following stages, in which he was principally regulated by the consideration of having good pasturage for the cattle, and plenty of water:
“MILES
1st stage, - From Emu Ford to Spring
Wood _ _ _ _ _ 12
2nd ditto - Jamieson’s Valley _ _ 16
3rd ditto - Blackheath _ _ _ 13
4th ditto - Cox’s River _ _ _ 15
5th ditto - Fish River _ _ _ 16
6th ditto - Sidmouth Valley _ _ _ 8
7th ditto - Campbell River _ _ _ 11
8th ditto - Bathurst _ _ _ _ 10 1/2
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Total _ _ _ _ 101 1/2
“ ‘At all of which places the traveller may assure himself of good grass, and water in abundance.
“ ‘On Thursday the 11th of May the governor and suite set out from Bathurst on their return, and arrived at Sydney on Friday the 19th ultimo.
“ ‘The governor deems it expedient here to notify the public, that he does not mean to make any grants of land to the westward of the Blue Mountains until he shall receive the commands of His Majesty’s ministers on that subject, and in reply to the report he is now about to make them upon it.
“ ‘In the mean time, such gentlemen or other respectable free persons as may wish to visit this new country, will be permitted to do so on making a written application to the governor to that effect; who will order them to be furnished with written passes. It is at the same time strictly ordered and directed, that no person, whether civil or military, shall attempt to travel over the Blue Mountains without having previously applied for and obtained permission, in the above prescribed form. The military guard stationed at the first depot on the mountains will receive full instructions to prevent the progress of any persons who shall not have obtained regular passes. The necessity for the establishing and strictly enforcing this regulation is too obvious to every one who will reflect on it, to require any explanation here.
“ ‘The governor cannot conclude this account of his tour, without offering his best acknowledgements [sic] to William Cox, Esq. for the important service he has rendered to the colony in so short a period of time, by opening a passage to the newly-discovered country, and at the same time assuring him, that he shall have great pleasure in recommending his meritorious services on this occasion to the favourable consideration of His Majesty’s ministers.
“ ‘By command of his Excellency the Governor,
“ ‘JOHN THOMAS CAMPBELL, Secretary.’
“To the above account, the governor afterwards added the following particulars, which he had omitted.
“ ‘When the governor arrived at Bathurst, on the 4th of May, he found three native men and six children standing with the working party: they appeared much alarmed, particularly at the horses - but this soon ceased, and they became quite familiar, eating whatever food was offered them, and appearing very proud of some little articles of dress which were given them. Frequently during the governor’s stay at Bathurst, small paries of men and boys came in, and they always got meat and some articles of slop clothing, and tomahawks; which latter seemed to be highly prized by them. These natives are in appearance very like those at Sydney, though rather better looking and stronger made; some of them were blind of one eye, though not always on the same side. Their language being altogether dissimilar to that of the natives of this part of the country, it was impossible to learn whether their being thus blinded was the result of any established custom amongst them, or merely accidental; the probability is, however, that it is intentional whatever might be the cause. A native who attended the governor from this side of the mountains was much alarmed at the appearance of the stranger natives; but afterwards, perceiving that they did not attempt to injure him, he endeavoured to hold a conversation with them; their languages, however, appeared totally different, neither party seeming to understand a single word spoken by the other.
“ ‘Those men were covered by skins of different animals, neatly sewed together, and wore the fur side inwards; on the outer, or skin side, they had curious device wrought. The governor observed on one of these dresses or cloaks, as regularly formed a St. George’s cross as could be made, though he could not connect the circumstance with any other which might lead to the assigning it to a religious ceremony. The manner of forming these figures must be by throwing up a slight part of the skin with a sharp instrument, round the outlines of the figure. They appeared, judging from the neatness of the sewing and work on these cloaks, to have made some little advance to civilization and comfort beyond what the natives of this part of the country have done. In other respects they seem to be perfectly harmless and inoffensive, and by no means warlike or savage, few of them having any weapons whatever with them but merely a stone axe, which they use for cutting steps for themselves to climb up trees, in pursuit of the little animals which they live upon.
“ ‘These natives never brought any of their females with them on their visits to Bathurst, and the governor had only accidentally, in the course of one of his excursions from thence, an opportunity of seeing one of them. She was blind of the left eye, wanted all her teeth, and was altogether one of the most wretched-looking old creatures that could be possibly imagined, composed of merely skin and bone.
“ ‘The governor, on his return over the King’s Table Land, had much gratification in beholding a cataract of immense height, which falls over a precipice little short of 1000 feet down into the Prince Regent’s Glen, forming one of the most stupendous and grand sights that perhaps the world can afford [Wentworth Falls]. This cataract having been discovered by four gentlemen of the governor’s party, his Excellency has been pleased to give it the name of one of them, by calling it ‘The Campbell Cataract.’
“ ‘By command of His Excellency the Governor,
“ ‘J.T. CAMPBELL, Secretary.’
“We here subjoin a narrative, published by the governor, of the further progress of Mr. Evans.
“ ‘Government House, Sydney.
“July 8, 1815.
“ ‘An anxious desire to render the discoveries in the lately explored country westward of the Blue Mountains as complete and important to the mother country and the present colony as the means within his power would enable him, having induced his Excellency the governor, while at Bathurst, to instruct Mr. Evans to proceed from thence and pursue his discoveries as much farther westward as his means of carrying provisions, the nature of the country through which he should pass, and the unforeseen occurrences to which, as a traveller in an unexplored country he might be exposed, would permit; and Mr. Evans having returned with the persons who attended him, all safe, his Excellency desires to lay the following brief account from his journal and report of this tour, before the public.
“ ‘On the 13th of May Mr. Evans commenced his tour of discovery, and on the 2nd of June, finding his provisions would not enable him to proceed farther, he began to retrace his course back to Bathurst, where he arrived on the 12th ultimo, having been absent thirty-one days. in the course of his tour Mr. Evans has been so fortunate as to travel over a vast number of rich and fertile vallies [sic], with succession of hills well covered with good and useful timber, chiefly stringy bark and the pine, and the whole country abounding with ponds and gullies of fine water; he also fell in with a large river [the Lachlan River], which he conceives would become navigable for boats at the distance of a few days’ travelling along its banks. From its course he conjectures that it must join its waters with those of the Macquarie River; and little doubt can be entertained, that their joint streams must form a navigable river of very considerable size. At a distance of about sixty miles from Bathurst, Mr. Evans discovered a number of hills, the points of which ended in perpendicular heads, from 30 to 40 feet high, of pure lime-stone of a misty grey colour. At this place, and also throughout the general course of the journey, kangaroos, emus, ducks, &c. were seen in great numbers, and the new river, to which Mr. Evans gave the name of the Lachlan, abounds with fish; although, from the coolness of the season, he was not able to capture any of them. In the course of his tour Mr. Evans also discovered a very unusual and extraordinary production, the proper or scientific name of which cannot at present be assigned to it. It possesses much of the sweetness and flavour of manna, but is totally different in its appearance, being very white, and having a roundish irregular surface, not unlike the rough outside of confectioners’ comfits, and of the size of the largest hail-stones. Mr. Evans does not consider it to be the production of any insect, tree, or vegetable of the country; and from hence the most probable conjecture appears to be, that it is a production of the same nature with that which is found in Arabia, and there called ‘wild honey,’ and supposed to be a dew. Where this substance was found ,most plentiful, Mr. Evans saw the kangaroo in immense flocks, and wild fowl equally abundant.
“ ‘The natives appeared more numerous than at Bathurst; but so very wild, and apparently so much alarmed at the sight of white men, that he could not induce them to come near, or to hold any intercourse with him.
“ ‘At the termination of the tour Mr. Evans saw a good level country, of a most interesting appearance, and a very rich soil; and he conceives that there is no barrier to prevent the travelling farther westward to almost any extent that could be desired. He states that the distance travelled by him on this occasion was 142 measured miles out; which, with some digressions to the southward made the total distance 155 miles from Bathurst; - he adds at the same time, that having taken a more direct line back to Bathurst, than that by which he left it, he made the distance then only 115 miles; and he observes that a good road may be made all that length without any considerable difficulty, there not being more than three hills which may not be avoided.
“ ‘From the entire tenor of Mr. Evans’s narrative of this tour, it appears that the country over which he passed has even exceeded the country leading to and surrounding Bathurst, in richness, fertility, and all the other valuable objects for the sustenance of a numerous population.’”
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