Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 2.djvu/39

] and ought to do all that is desirable without their assistance. Vessels of large size come up the river, as it is called, to the town of Launceston; but, unaided by steam, the navigation is rather intricate. George Town, at the entrance of the inlet, is a pretty little village, promising, at some future period, to become a watering place for the fashionables of Launceston; the access to the port is rendered somewhat dangerous and difficult by the bar across its entrance.

During this journey across the country I had an opportunity of witnessing some extensive improvements of which William Kermode, Esq., of Mona Yale, has set the example, by the introduction of a system of draining and irrigation, in which the fertilising effect of water is brought so prominently into observation. Strzelecki has given a very interesting account of these operations, and has pronounced a well-merited eulogium on the perseverance and public spirit of the enterprising proprietor.

We diverged from our direct route, also, as we returned, in order to pass through some of the richest land in the colony, and from which, owing to the agricultural skill and industry of Mr. Archer, and a few other proprietors, the most astonishing crops are produced. In traversing this part of the country in particular, it was impossible not to be struck with the truth of the general remark of all writers, that the diversity of hill and dale, forest and tillage, forming together with the rich and