Transcript - Public notice about Macquarie's journey over the Blue Mountains (10 of 15)
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latter, has also two very fertile plains on its banks,
the one called, ‘O’Connells Plains’ and the other
‘Macquarie Plains’, both of considerable extent and
very 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 con
stituted by the junction of the Fish and Campbell
Rivers, 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
surprize, whilst the silence and solitude
which reign in a space of such extent and
beauty as seems designed by Nature for the
occupancy and comfort of Man, create a de-
gree of melancholy in the mind which may
be more easily imagined than described.
The Governor and Suite arrived at these
Plains on Thursday the 4th of May, and
encamped on the southern or left bank of the
Macquarie River. The situation being selected
in consequence of its commanding a beautiful
and extensive prospect for many miles in
every direction around it. At this place the
Governor remained for a week, which time he
occupied in making excursions in different
directions through the adjoining country, on
both sides of the river.
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
