Title

Salt pan plain, 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

Salt-Pan Plain, Van Diemen’s Land.

THESE Plains are situated at the extremity of a long range of high Hills, at the distance of about fifty miles from HOBART TOWN, and are of considerable extent in length, and in some parts very wide.

The View exhibited in the annexed Plate is taken from the last of these Hills, which commands the most extensive Prospect in this part of the Island. The position of this eminence is on the right-hand of the Road leading from HOBART TOWN to LAUNCESTON and PORT DALRYMPLE; and the Spectator, looking over SALT-PAN PLAINS, perceives in the extreme distance the high grounds towards EPPING FOREST, forming fine tracts of Pasture-land.

The curiously-formed Hill in the centre is called GRIME'S SUGAR-LOAF; from the summit of which there is a beautiful and interesting View, comprising a vast extent of rich uncultivated Land, chiefly pasturage, bounded by lofty hills. The Hill on the right, which is also of a very curious shape, is MOUNT HENRIETTA, the top of which, occupying a space of twenty-five acres, is completely flat, and very barren. When viewed from the high Road, a distance of about a mile, the appearance of this Mountain is exactly that of a military fortification. The Hills on the left form part of another long range of Mountains, which lie to the north-west of the Plain; and upon this range is situated the BOUNDARY LAKE.

A very remarkable natural curiosity has given the name of Salt-Pan to these Plains. There are on this spot three Ponds, or Reservoirs, which are filled, in the Winter season, with a very strong Brine; but, in the Summer months, they become quite dry, when they are found to contain a remarkably fine Salt. Each of these Ponds, or Pans, furnishes annually many tons of the valuable article, Salt; of which an abundant supply for the whole Island is produced by this curious process of Nature. One of the Ponds is reserved and appropriated to the use of Government; but the other two are open to the Inhabitants at large, who may supply themselves at pleasure. The Salt procured from these Reservoirs is much stronger, and better adapted for preserving animal food and similar purposes, than that manufactured on the Sea-coast, by boiling Sea-water; whilst the actual situation of these natural Salt-pans is at least forty miles distant from the Sea, or any Salt-water River. Two of these curious Ponds, it will be perceived, are introduced in the present View, according to their position, one on each side of the Road.

The ride over these beautiful and extensive Plains is in fine weather truly delightful. The sublime effect produced upon the mind of the Spectator by the grandeur of the lofty Hills, which lift their towering heads on every side, is pleasingly relieved by the groupes of Cattle, and numerous herds of Sheep, which in many places cover their fertile bases.

On the side of the road opposite MOUNT HENRIETFA glides BLACKMAN'S RIVER, which, though a small stream, is deep, and, besides adding beauty to the scene, supplies excellent water for the use of the Cattle. This River joins the MACQUARIE, about ten miles below this place, and it then becomes a considerable stream, and in some parts forms wide Ponds.

BLACKMAN'S RIVER is frequented by innumerable flocks of Wild Fowl, particularly Wild Ducks; and both Kangaroos and Emus are found in the Forests adjoining these Plains, affording excellent diversion, as well as food, for the Sportsmen of AUSTRALIA.

Accompanying text, 1825.