Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 2.djvu/61

] of meridians between it and Garden Island, by means of rockets, and thereby secure an accurate determination of the longitude of the latter place, for the convenience of merchant vessels sailing from the port. Although in the depth of winter, I was much struck with the richness and varied beauty of the scenery on both sides of the river. Landing at a wharf a short distance below the town, I walked directly up to the observatory, and was engaged there with Mr. Dunlop, whilst the Governor transacted the business which had called him to Paramatta, during which time we were fortunate in obtaining several good transits of stars; and having agreed upon a plan of co-operation with Mr. Dunlop, about the rocket experiments, and after partaking of some refreshment prepared for us at government-house, I returned to Sydney with His Excellency in his carriage; the drive was far less agreeable and interesting than the row up the river, especially on account of the heavy rains that had lately fallen, having rendered the roads in some places almost impassable for carriages, except by the powerful aid of four good horses. The roads generally in the colony are much inferior to those of Van Diemen's Land, owing chiefly to the want of proper materials, which they have to bring from a considerable distance, and at a very great expense. The principal roads were, however, undergoing very extensive repairs at this time, which contributed in no small degree to their present bad condition.