Title

Mount Direction, near Hobart Town, Van Diemens Land. [by Joseph Lycett].

Author

Author not identified

Source

[Not applicable]

Publication date

1825

Type

About the work

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Full text

Mount Direction, near Hobart Town, Van Diemens Land.

THE situation of MOUNT DIRECTION is peculiarly picturesque. The majestic DERWENT, upon the eastern bank of which the Mountain rises, is at that part nearly two miles wide, and forms three extensive Bays, abounding with all the Various kinds of wild Fowl known in the Colony, and with all sorts of Fish. The base of the Mountain forms a perfect Forest, where numerous flocks of Kangaroos, and some Emus, afford excellent diversion to the Sportsmen of these parts.

MOUNT DIRECTION serves as a Land-mark for many miles out at Sea; and is also a good object for Ships to steer by, in sailing up the River to HOBART TOWN.

The Prospect from the summit of this Mountain is truly delightful. The River is seen winding both upwards and downwards; and the various small Bays formed in its course have a most picturesque and beautiful appearance.

The present View is taken from the left hand side of the road leading to AUSTIN'S FERRY, about four miles from the Mountain, and about one mile from NEW TOWN; a very pleasant Settlement, the residence of several of the most respectable Inhabitants of the Colony; among whom are Messrs. Luttrell, Evans (Deputy Surveyor-General), Gunning, Pitt, Cockerell, and Gatehouse. The Land here is remarkably rich and fertile, and produces excellent crops of Wheat, Barley, and Oats. The finest sort of Potatoes are also grown in this neighbourhood. Tobacco, of a most excellent quality, has also been raised near NEW TOWN; but, from want of a knowledge of the proper methods of curing it, the principal part of it was lost.

The Timber about MOUNT DIRECTION 1S very fine, particularly at a short distance from the River; it consists chiefly of the Eucalyptus species. Casurinas also are abundant, but of confined growth.

The Birds found in this vicinity are of the same species which have been so repeatedly described in various parts of this Work; and the wild Fowl are abundant.

Accompanying text, 1825.

Last Updated

24 Sep 2020