Page:Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies.djvu/101

1832.] they are rather numerous in the Australian Colonies, especially in remote places.

23rd. Proceeding across a salt marsh to the shores of Frederick Henry Bay, we saw the Princess Royal—a vessel with female emigrants from England—driving from her anchors, in a violent storm of wind and snow. She was perceived also by some persons on the opposite side of the bay, who lighted a fire as a signal, on a point, behind which was a mud bed; on this, the ship went safely on shore in the night, the helmsman attending to an instruction received from the land, in a welcome English tongue, when those on board knew not on what coast they were driving. We took refuge from the snow storm in the house of a settler from Uxbridge, by whom we were hospitably entertained; and afterward proceeded to Glen Ayr, the residence of William de Gillern, which we made out when almost dark, by following the barking of a dog, and where we felt the value of a kind welcome, after a walk of 15 miles in snow, wet and mire.

24th. The snow was about three inches thick in the morning; but defending ourselves against the frequent showers, we went to Richmond, to arrange for holding a meeting. The court-house was readily granted for the purpose by William T. Parramore, the Police Magistrate; who also ordered a constable to invite the inhabitants. The court-house at this time was used as a place of worship by the Episcopalians and Wesleyans. The town of Richmond consisted of the court-house, a jail, a windmill, and about 30 dwelling-houses, three of which were inns. It is prettily situated, at the extremity of an inlet called the Sweet Water.

In the evening we returned to Glen Ayr. The snow among trees in full foliage, presented a novel appearance to an Englishman.—All the trees and shrubs of this country are evergreens; and with the exception of the little patches of land that have been cleared by settlers, may be said to cover the whole country. The thermometer at Richmond was at 27° several times this winter.

25th. We returned to Richmond, and called upon John H. Butcher, a magistrate, residing in an unfinished stone