Page:Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies.djvu/210

168 are placed at intervals, with nine lamps between them. Constables are also stationed at several outposts. By these means escape from the Penal Settlement is rendered very difficult. The dogs soon give notice of the approach of any person. Some of the hills on Tasmans Peninsula may be about 1,000 feet high, and much of the forest with which it is covered, is very dense.

28th. We visited a company of prisoner brick-makers, and proceeded to the coast, betwixt Cape Roaul and the entrance to Port Arthur, to see a remarkable chasm in the basalt. It is about 127 feet deep, and very narrow. The sea may be heard rushing up it. In the course of our walk, we had much conversation with Captain Booth, of a satisfactory character. From what we see and learn, we are disposed to consider that the punishment of Port Arthur, consists in its restraint, rather than in any excessive degree of labour that is exacted. The prisoners work with reluctance. The privations of liberty and society, with the vigilant superintendence, are keenly felt. The generality of prisoners look upon themselves as the aggrieved parties, which is much to be regretted: when they take an opposite view it is to be regarded as a token of reformation. No prisoners are now allowed private gardens; none but the boat's crew are allowed to fish, and none are allowed to hunt.

29th. We anchored in Safety Cove, the wind being contrary. G. W. Walker and myself went on shore, and walked to the coast, in the direction of Cape Roaul, on a steep sandy part of which, the white variety of Helichrysum bracteatum is found; also Hierochloe australis, a fragrant grass. In the afternoon we went on shore on a fishing excursion, and obtained a plentiful supply of Muttton-fish, Haliotis laevigata, from the rocks, at low-water. They were mostly under the kelp, immersed in the sea, and were dislodged by means of sharp-pointed sticks. Some of the women went into the water among the large sea-tangle, to take Cray-fish. These women seem quite at home in the water, and frequently immerse their faces to enable them to see objects at the bottom. When they discover the object of their search, they dive, often using the long