Title

Hobart Town, Van Dieman's Land from Blufhead. [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

Hobart Town, Van Dieman’s Land from Blufhead.

IN the first Number of this Work, there is a View of HOBART TOWN, taken at a distance. The present View of the CAPITAL of VAN DIEMEN'S LAND brings the Spectator much nearer to the objects represented, and shows distinctly the whole of the principal Public Buildings, including the Church, Government House, Military Barracks and Hospital, Prison, General Hospital, Prisoners' Barracks, &c.

The Buildings on the left are the MILITARY BARRACKS and HOSPITAL, situated upon an elevated spot of Land, which commands the most interesting and delightful Views. From this eminence the Spectator looks over the whole Town; and, in an eastward direction, he commands a most pleasing and extensive view of the River DERWENT, stretching towards the Ocean, and almost sees the entrance of the River. To the north-west, he beholds the whole of the TABLE MOUNTAIN, and distant Hills; and, direct north, the most interesting and the grandest View of all meets his enraptured gaze. The Prospect here includes the River DERWENT, which may be traced as far up as the wide part at HERDSMAN'S COVE; beyond which appear the fine range of Mountains called Bagdad Tier, Constitution Hill, and Spring Hill; and nearer is seen Mount Direction, a fine bold feature of Land, which received that name from its being so excellent a Land-mark to Mariners. From the Barrack-yard, looking to the left, are seen the large Range, forming a chain of Hills, adjoining MOUNT WELLINGTON, and which run almost parallel with the Road to ROSE NEAR THE FERRY. The View to the north-east is also very fine, and extends over the north shore of the DERWENT, towards PITT WATER, NORTH BAY, &c.

The CHURCH is a new erection, built of brick: it is spacious and very convenient, being well and neatly finished in all its parts, interior and exterior.

The PRISON, which nearly adjoins the Church, is also built of brick, and is a commodious, roomy, and secure building, well adapted to the purposes for which it was designed. A very strong and high wall encompasses the whole building.

The GOVERNMENT HOUSE is a large building; but, having been constructed at different periods and by piece-meal, much cannot be said in its commendation.

The GENERAL HOSPITAL is a large and commodious edifice, capable of accommodating a considerable number of Patients. It was completely finished in the year l822.

The PRISONERS' BARRACKS comprise apartments for the Prisoners to sleep in, and others in which they take their meals. Their food is cooked by a certain number of Prisoners appointed for the purpose. This building is newly erected.

HOBART TOWN is well supplied with excellent water by a constant stream, which descends from the High Mountain, running perpe­tually through the centre of the Town. The same noble stream also turns three Mills, used for the purpose of grinding Corn and other grain.

The Timber in this vicinity consists of the Eucalyptus, the Casurina, and the Mimosa; and the Birds are Pigeons, Parrots, Cockatoos, and the Wattle-bird. The Rivers and Creeks are frequented by vast quantities of Wild Ducks, Widgeons, &c.; and there are many Kangaroos to be met with, but not in the immediate vicinity of the Town.

Accompanying text, 1825.

Last Updated

24 Sep 2020