נווד unce W. SR Tery he ths was expected. The facility of the ascent for this distance excited surprise, and is certainly not well calculated to give the traveller a just idea of the difficulties be has afterwards to encounter. At a furser ther distance of four miles, a sudden change is perceived in the appearance of the timber and the quality of the soil the former becoming stunted, and the latter barren and rocky. At this place the fatigues of the journey may be said to commence. Here the country became altogether mountainous, and extremely rugged. Near to the 18th milemark (it is to be observed, that the measure commences from Emu Ford), a pile of stones attracted attention: it is slose to the line of road, ou the top of a rugged and abrupt ascent, and is supposed to have been placed there by Mr. Caley, as the extreme limit of his tour; hence the Governor gave that part of the Mountain the name of Caley's Repulse. To have penetrated even so far, was at that time an effort of no small difficulty. From hence, forward to the 26th mile, is a succession of steep and rugged hills, some of which are almost so abrupt as to deny a passage altogether; but at this place a considerably extensive plain is arrived at, which con stitutes the summit of the Western Mountains; and from thence a most extensive and beautiful prospect presents itself on all sides to the eye. The town of Windsor, the River Hawkesbury, Prospect Hill, and other objects within that part of the Colony now inbabited, of equal interest, are distinctly seen from hence. The majestic grandeur of the situation, combined with the various objects to be seen from this place, induced the Governor to give it the ap pellation of The King's Table Land.' On the South-west side of the King's Table Land, the mountain terminates in abrupt precipices of immense depth, at the bottom of which is seen a gleu, romantically beautiful as can be imagined, bounded ou the further side by mountains of great magnitude, terminating equally abruptly as the others; and the whole thickly covered with timber. The length of this picturesque and remarkable tract of country is about 24 miles, to which the Governor gave the name of 'The Prince Regent's Glen.' Proceeding hence to the 33 mile on the top of a hill, an opening presents itself on the S. W. side of the Prince Regent's Glen, from whence a view is obtained particularly beautiful and grand, Mountains rising beyond mountains, with stupendous masses of rock in the foreground, here strike the eye with admiration and astonishment. The circular * form in which the whole is so wonderfully disposed, induced the Governor to give the name of Pitt's Amphitheatre' (in honour of the late Right Hon. W. Pitt) to this first branch from the Prince Regent's Glen. The road continues from hence, for the space of 17 miles, on the ridge of the mountain which forms one side of the Prince Regent's Glen, and there it suddenly terminates in nearly a perpendicular precipice of 676 feet high, as ascertained by measurement. The road constructed by Mr. Cox down this rugged and tremendous descent, through all its windings, is no less than three-fourths of a mile in length, and has been executed with such skill and stability as reflects much credit on him. The labour here undergone, and the difficulties surmounted, can only be appreciated by those who view this scene. In order to perpetuate the memory of Mr. Cox's services, the Governor deemed it a tribute justly due to him, to give his name to this grand and extraordinary Pass; and he accordingly called it Cox's Pass.' Having descended into the valley at the bottom of this Pass, the retrospective view of the overbanging mountain is magnificently grand, Although the present Pass is the only practicable point yet discovered for descending by, yet the mountain is much higher than those on either side of it, from whence it is distinguished at a considerable distance, when approaching it from the interior; and in this point of view it has the appearance of a very high distinct hill, although it is in fact only the abrupt termination of a ridge, The Governor gave the name of Mount York' to this termination of the ridge, in honour of his Royal Highness the Duke of York. "On descending Cox's Pass, the Governor was much gratified by the appearance of good pasture-land, and soil fit for cultivation, which was the first he had met with since the commencement of his tour. The valley at the base of Mount York be called the Vale of Clwyd,' in consequence of the strong resemblance it bore to the vale of that name in North Wales. The grass in this vale is of a good quality, and very abundant; and a rivulet of fine water runs along it from the Eastward, which unites itself, at the Western extremity of the vale, with another rivulet containing still more water. The junction of these two streams forms a very handsome river, now called by the Governor' Cox's River,' which takes its course, as has been since ascertained, through the Prince Regent's Glen, and empties itself into the River Nepean; and it is COM conjectured, from the nature of the country through which it passes, that it must be one of the principal causes of the floods which have been occasionally felt on the low banks of the river Hawkesbury, into which the Nepean discharges itself. The Vale of Clwyd, from the base of Mount York, extends six miles in a Westerly direction, and has its termination at Cox's River. West of this River the country again becomes hilly, but is generally open forest land, and very good pasturage. Three miles to the Westward of the Vale of Clwyd, Messrs. Blaxland, Wentworth, and Lawson, had formerly terminated their excursion; and when the various difficulties are considered which they had to contend with, especially until they had effected the descent from Mount York, to which place they were obliged to pass through a thick brush wood, where they were under the necessity of cutting a passage for the baggage horses, the severity of which labour had seriously affected their healths, their patient endurance of such fatigue cannot fail to excite much surprise and admiration. In commemoration of their merits, three beautiful high hills joining each other at the end of their tour at this place have received their names in the following order; viz. "Mount Blaxland,"-" Wentworth's Sugar Loaf," and "Lawson's Sugar Loaf." A range of very lofty hills and narrow valleys alternately form the tract of country from Cox's River, for a distance of 16 miles, until the Fish River is arrived at; and the stage between these Rivers is consequently very severe and oppressive on the cattle. To this range the Governor gave the name of "Clarence Hilly Range." Proceeding from the Fish River, and at a short distance from it, a very singular and beautiful mountain attracts the attention, its summit being crowned with a large and very extraordinarylooking rock, nearly circular in form, which gives to the whole very much the appearance of a hill, or fort, such as are frequent in India. To this lofty hill Mr. Evans, who was the first European discoverer, gave the name of "Mount Evans." Passing on from hence the country continues hilly, but affords good pasturage, gradually improving to Sidmouth Valley, which is distant from the Pass of the Fish River 12 miles. The land here is level, and the first met with unencumbered with timber; it is not of very considerable extent, but abpunds with a great variety of herbs and plants, such as would probably highly interest and gratify the scientific botanist. This beautiful little valley runs North-west and South-east, between hills of easy ascent, thinly covered with timber. Leaving Sidmouth Valley, the country becomes again billy, and in other respects resembles very much the country to the Eastward of the Valley for some miles. Having reached Campbell River, distant 13 miles from Sidmouth Valley, the Governor was highly gratified by the appearance of the country, which there began to exhibit an open and extensive view of gently rising grounds and fertile plains. Judg ing from the height of the banks, and its general width, the Campbell River must be on some occasions of very considerable magnitude; but the extraordinary drought which has apparently prevailed on the Western side of the mountains, equally as throughout this Colony, for the last three years, has reduced this River so much, that it may be more properly called a Chain of Pools, than a running stream, at present. In the reaches or pools of the Campbell River, the very curious animal called the Paradox, or Water-mole, is seen in great numbers.-The soil on both banks is uncommonly rich, and the grass is consequently luxuriant. Two miles to the Southward of the line of road which crosses the Campbell River, there is a very fine rich tract of low lands, which has been named Mitchell Plains. Flax was found growing in considerable quantities. The Fish River, which forms a junction with the Campbell River a few miles to the Northward of the road and bridge over the latter, has also two very fertile plains on its banks, the one called "O'Connell Plains," and the other "Macquarie Plains," both of very considerable extent, and capable of yielding all the necessaries of life. At the distance of seven miles from the bridge over the Campbell River, Bathurst Plains open to the view, presenting a rich tract of champaign country of 11 miles in length, bounded on both sides by gently rising and very beautiful hills, thinly wooded. The Macquarie River, which is constituted by the junction of the Fish and Campbell River, takes a winding course through the Plains, which can be easily traced from the high lands adjoining, by the particular verdure of the trees on its banks, which are likewise the only trees throughout the extent of the Plains. The level and clean surface of these Plains gives them at first view very much the appearance of lands in a state of cultivation. It is impossible to behold this grand scene without a feeling of admiration and surprise, whilst the silence and solitude which reign in a space of such extent and which reign in a space of such extent The Governor and suite arrived at On Sunday, the 7th of May, the Governor fixed on a site suitable for the erection of a town at some future period, to which he gave the name of "Bathurst," in honour of the present Secretary of State for the Colonies. The situation of Bathurst is elevated sufficiently beyond the reach of any floods which may occur, and is at the same time so near to the River on its South bank as to derive all the advantages of its clear and beautiful stream. The mechanics and settlers, of whatever description, who may be hereafter permit ted to form permanent residences to themselves at this place, will have the highly important advantages of a rich and fertile soil, with a beautiful river flowing through it, for all the uses of man. The Governor must, however, add, that the hopes, which were once so sanguinely entertained, of this River becoming navigable to the Western Sea, have ended in disappointment. During the week that the Governor remained at Bathurst, he made daily excursions in various directions; one of these extended 22 miles in a South-west direction; and on that occasion, as well as on all the others, he found the country chiefly composed of valleys and plains, separated occasionally by ranges of low bills:-the soil throughout being generally fertile, and well circumstanced for the purpose of agriculture or grazing. The Governor bere feels much pleasure in being enabled to communicate to the Publick, that the favourable reports whi h be bad received of the country to the West of the Blue Mountains have not been by any means exaggerated. The difficulties which present themselves in the journey from hence are certainly great and inevitable; but those persons who may be inclined to become permanent Settlers there, will probably GENT. MAG. February, 1817. content themselves with visiting this part of the Colony but rarely, and of course will have them seldom to encounter.-Plenty of water and a sufficiency of grass are to be found in the Mountains for the support of such cattle as may be sent over them; and the tracts of fertile soil and rich pasturage which the new country affords, are fully extensive enough for any increase of population and stock which can possibly take place for many years. Within a distance of 10 miles from the site of Bathurst, there is not less than 50,000 acres of land clear of timber, and fully one half of that may be considered excellent soil, well calculated for cultivation. It is a matter of regret, that in proportion as the soil improves the timber degenerates; and it is to be remarked, that every where to the Westward of the Mountains it is much inferior both in size and quality to that within the present Colony: there is, however, a sufficiency of timber of tolerable quality within the district around Bathurst, for the purposes of housebuilding and husbandry. The Governor has here to lament, that neither coals nor lime stone have yet been discovered in the Western Country: articies in themselves of so much importance, that the want of them must be severely felt whenever that country shall be settled. Having enumerated the principal and most important features of this new country, the Governor has now to notice some of its live productions. All around Bathurst abounds in a variety of game; and the two principal rivers contain a great quantity of fish, but all of one denomination, resembling the perch in appearance, and of a delicate and fine flavour, not unlike that of a rock-cod: this fish grows to a large size, and is very voracious. Several of them were caught during the Governor's stay at Bathurst, and at the Halting-place on the Fish River. One of those caught weighed 17lbs.; and the people stationed at Bathurst stated, that they had caught some weighing 25lbs. The field game are the kangaroos, emus, black swans, wild geese, wild turkies, bustards, ducks of various kinds, quail, bronze, and other pigeons, &c. &c. The water-mole, or paradox, also abounds in all the rivers and ponds. The site designed for the town of Bathurst, by observation taken at the Flag-staff, which was erected on the day of Bathurst receiving that name, is situated in lat. 33 deg. 24 min. 30 sec. South, and in long. 149 deg. 37 min. 45 sec. sec. East of Greenwich, being also 27 miles North of Government House, in Sydney, and 944 West of it, bearing West 20 deg. 30 min. North, 83 geographic miles, or 95 statute miles; the measured road distance from Sydney to Bathurst being 140 English miles. The road constructed by Mr. Cox and the party under him commences at Emu Ford, on the left bank of the river Nepean, and is thence carried 101 miles to the Flag Staff at Bathurst: this road has been carefully measured, and each mile regularly marked on the trees grow ing on the left side of the road proceed ing towards Bathurst. The Governor in his tour made the following stages, in which he was principally regulated by the consideration of having good pasturage for the cattle, and plenty of water: 1st stage-Spring Wood, distant from Emu Ford 12 miles. 2d ditto-Jamieson's Valley, or second depot, distant from ditte 28 miles. 3d ditto-Blackheath, distant from ditto 41 miles. 4th ditto-Cox's River, distant from ditto 56 miles. 5th ditto-The Fish River, distant from ditto 72 miles. 6th ditto-Sidmouth Valley, distant from ditto 80 miles. 7th ditto - Campbell River, distant from ditto 91 miles. 8th ditto-Bathurst, distant from dit to 101 miles. On Thursday, the 11th of May, the Governor and suite set out from Bathurst on their return; and arrived at Sydney on Friday, the 19th ult. The Governor deems it expedient here to notify to the Publick, that he does not mean to make any grant of land to the Westward of the Blue Mountains until he shall receive the commands of his Majesty's Ministers on that subject, and in reply to the report he is new about to make them upon it. It is at In the mean time, such Gentlemen, or other respectable free persons, as may wish to visit this new country, will be permitted to do so, on making a written application to the Governor to that effect, who will order them to be furnished with written passes. the same time strictly ordered and directed, that no person, whether civil or military, shall attempt to travel over the Blue Mountains without baving previously applied for and obtained permission, in the above prescribed form. The military guard stationed at the first depot on the mountains will receive full instructions to prevent the progress of any persons who shall not have obtained regular passes. The necessity for the establishing, and strictly enforcing this regulation, is too obvious to every one who will reflect on it, to require any explanation bere. The Governor cannot conclude this Account of his Tour, without offering his best acknowledgements to W. Cox, esq. for the important service he has rendered to the Colony in so short a period of time, by opening a passage to the new-discovered country, and at the same time assuring him, that he shall have great pleasure in recommending his meritorious services on this occasion to the favourable consideration of his Majesty's Ministers-By Command of his Excellency the Governor. J. T. CAMPBELL, Secretary. IN the interesting and miscellaneous articles of the Gentleman's Maga zine, the " Compendium of County History" is invaluable in a figurative sense of eulogy and relation. You may consider it as the vehicle of commendation of County History, or, if you please, on founded pretensions and merit introductory to more copious editions. It may be fairly adduced, there is a repository, reference, and extract of localities, population, eminent persons, or extraordinary character, to attract the light Reader for amusement, or con duct the more inquisitive to the source of information and copiousness, so gratifying, particularly, to national predilection (not easily dissembled or disguised) for the native realm. The Compendium alluded to, with a view and encouragement to the periodical continuauce of it, is an instance of a single article, amongst many the most interesting, of intriosic value in itself, of a Monthly and Miscellaneous Collection. There is ly; as we have occasion frequently to more than what meets the eye directsay, "there is more than what meets the ear." It is no ordinary proof of literary skill, if not of erudition, to collect materials of a Work by knowing where to procure them. It is an acquaintance with Strabo, Elian, Aufus Gellius, Fabricius, through whom different countries and districts have led to a geographical, peculiar, na tional description of varieties handed down through successive ages to pos terity as most interesting histories. The groves of Acad mus, and copcourse of the first Philosophers of Athens, have been locally described in the pages of History, to the immortal honour of Greece, and the admiration of the world. There is, therefore, a flattering and pleasing hope, that, as every distinguished State has to boast an Historian, every County in this kingdom may have its Historiographer. Every man in his humour: the light Reader may be entertained probably in meeting original Allen of proverbial versatility, en gerouelle, of the Vicar of Bray; or the same person may have been composed to sleep, in his elbow-chair, by John Bunyan, of Bedford, as the Author his self of Pilgrim's Progress composed the Work in his sleep. The more serious Reader may be reminded of the study, possibly, from which the Origines Sacræ of Stillngfleet were dated in the same County. He may find, u alphabetical turn, the favourite theme and spot where Milton tuned his strains to Lycidas on the margin of Cam, as at the font of Arethusa; Poetic genius may be animated in finding the retired abode, as Pope sings, where St. John nobly pensive sat and thought;" or still more pleased in tracing, at a Northern distance, the smooth stream of Manifold, where, on its bank, and sparry table of Congreve, his scenes were drawn, and such were not unfavoured by the vicinal scenery of Dove-Dale. We must pursue the " Compendium," in detail to be expected, of the County and native place of Newton, born to be arrayed in the bright light of his celestial gravitating orbs. The founded residence of a Bacon, or Coke, consecrate the spot to fame, and in treading their proprietary soil, as it were on classic ground, it is with impatient ardour to read the Jabours of the learned, the works of genius, and to see recorded also in their places the finished neatness of Useful artisans. In commendation, not as a flatterer, or ineptus fauior of the antients, and of those "inventas qui vitam excoluere per artes," it is with reservation, and right of avowal in favour of modern inventions. Printing, if a solitary proof, 66 is a singular one, in originality, honour, and ingenuity, to the century and country in which it was invented. If I have been too lavish in the praise of a Compendious Summary of County History," I bow to the remark of a deep-read man; but, in the defect of omissions, where all cannot be compressed, I would range them under a chained definition of abridgement, or concise analysis. "Verùm ubi plura nitent insignia, non ego paucis Offendar maculis." Yours, &c. HORAT. C. T. Mr. URBAN, Stockport, Jan, 23. ty History, Cheshire," in the list of the Seats of the County, is omitted that of Poynton Park, four miles from Stockport, on the Macclesfield road, formerly the residence of the Warren family. The mansion is elegantly built in the Ionic order of Architecture, and is now one of the Seats of the Lord Viscount Warren Bulkeley, and Lady Viscountess Warren Bulkeley, daughter and heiress of the late Sir Geo. Warren, bart. K. B. Amongst the Manufactures of the County should have been inserted that of Hats, which in this town and neighbourhood is considerable. Yours, &c. Mr. URBAN, J. W. Jan. 16. your Magazine for Dec. last, p. 499, under the head of Fragments of Literature, it is stated that "Bradshaw, the most impudent Lawyer, that judged the King to dye, was the son of a Collar-maker in Chester." This statement not being founded in truth, I am induced to correct the error into which the Writer has fallen; and which I am enabled to do from indubitable authority. John Bradshaw, the Judge, was the third son of Mr. Henry Bradshaw, who resided at a place called Wibbersley, in the township of Marple, and parish of Stockport in Cheshire, and was christened on the 10th Dec. 1602, at the parish church of Stockport, as will appear by an inspection of the Register. Opposite to his name is written the word "Trailor" in a different hand. The Bradshaws of Marple certainly descended from a second son of the Bradshaws |