Title

View of the South End of Schouten's Island, Van Diemen's 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

View of the South End of Schouten's Island, Van Diemen's Land.

SCROUTEN'S ISLAND lies off OYSTER BAY, to the east side of the entrance into GREAT SWAN PORT. The approach is dangerous for Vessels, as the shoals are numerous, and lie out a long way to sea. Vessels have been lost near this barren Island, which is covered with a small sort of scrubby Brush, affording little or no Grass, and is most difficult to land upon. When Ships have cleared this Island, they may obtain good anchorage; and, though much exposed to danger from south winds, they are well protected by a high range of land and hills from northern winds.

Close off this Island, the Ship Princess Charlotte, a new Brig of considerable dimensions, was lost, and every soul on board perished. This Vessel was the first of any size that was built at NEWCASTLE; she was commanded by a very skilful young man, DEVINE, and was laden with Wheat for SYDNEY.

The land near the shore round GREAT SWAN PORT is very barren; but further in-land it has fine rich valleys, and is well watered, affording the finest pasture both for Sheep and Cattle. Great quantities of Emus and Kangaroos are found in this part of the Colony.

SCROUTEN'S ISLAND lies about fifty miles north of CAPE PILLAR, and is a good land-mark for Vessels making the Coast from England.

Accompanying text, 1825.