Page:The State and Position of Western Australia.djvu/60



may now be desirable to take a view of the present condition of the settlement, and to enlarge a little on its prospects. The colony maybe considered as having already surmounted the most trying stage of its existence. An emigrant now arriving at Swan River will find that society there has passed through its primary state, and will be likely to witness with surprise the progress it has actually made.

On approaching Fremantle from the sea, the site of the town is indicated by a handsome octagonal building of white cut stone, erected near the edge of a precipice which overhangs the mouth of the river. On landing, the stranger has the pleasure of entering a small but neat town, with wide streets, some of which have been macadamized. The streets are laid out at right angles with each other, and the houses are constructed either of white stone, or of wood that is painted