Page:History of New South Wales from the records, Volume 1.djvu/309

 AND HIS STAFF. 199 matta, PhilKp took his friends to his house, described as 1791 " a small convenient bnilding placed upon a gentle ascent, and surrounded by about a couple of acres of garden ground; this spot is called Rose Hill."* Here the day was spent ; and among the objects of interest that attracted attention was '' the beautiful plumage of the birds in general, and of the emu in particular," two of which were met with in the woods. During the stay of the Gorgon in port, the excursions included visits to many of the little coves about Harbonr cxcunloiis. the harbour, where they found oysters as well as scenery to dwell upon : — Here we have feasted upon Oisters just taken out of the sea ; the attention of our sailors, and their care in opening and placing them round their hats in lieu of plates, by no means diminished the satisfaction we had in eating them. The ingenuity displayed in improvising plates out of their hats was creditable to the jack-tars of the Gorgon ; but the oysters, alas I have gone, with the flowering shrubs and tho birds of brilliant plume. Prom scenes like these it may be gathered that life in Sydney Cove, even in 1791, was not altogether without its charms for those who had oppor- tunities of enjoying it. Phillip was evidently fond of show- ing his visitors all the attractions of a new and beautiful ^n attentive ^ host. country, and was probably not a little proud of his do- minions. " The fatherly attention of the good Governor upon all occasions " is specially noted by his guest, whose stay in Sydney was rendered " perfectly happy and com- fortable " by his kindness, combined with ** the friendly politeness of the officers." Good things were not altogether wanting at their tables at this time — a happy contrast with i^iioades of their sufferings of the previous year. Presents of eggs, milk, and vegetables were frequently sent on board the Gorgon by the military gentlemen on shore ; kangaroo was considered • The " gentle asoent " was called " the Crescent " by Phillip, from its natnral appearance. It formed the site of the Government House built by Governor Macqnarie, which is still standing, and from which Lady Mary Fitz Eoy set out on her fatal drive on the 7ul December, 1847. Digitized by Google