|
 |
|
Peter Miller Cunningham described
this area in
Two Years in New South Wales.
(1827).............Mr. Ogilvie possesses here six thousand
acres, consisting of alluvial flats and lightly-timbered
forest land backwards, bounded by a moderately high ridge.
A plain of fifty acres of rich land (without a tree upon
it) is situated in the middle of the grant, overlooked by
a beautiful swelling hill, equally clear, of the finest
sort of garden mould, and covered with luxuriant grasses.
The Goulburn enters Hunter's river opposite to the bottom
of Mr. Ogilvie's grant, the plains on each side being
hemmed in by woody ridges of moderate elevation, toward
which the back land gradually rises. Contrary to what is
generally found in other parts of the country, the ridges
upon the upper part of Hunter's river are almost uniformly
flattened at the top, forming little miniature hills and
valleys covered with fine soil of moderate depth, and
abounding in grass, which makes them the great resort of
the kangaroos and cattle in the winter season. Behind the
ridge bounding Mr. Ogilvie's farm, at four miles distance,
is Mr. George Blaxland's residence, where several flocks
of fine woolled sheep and a large herd of cattle are kept.
Captain Pike brought out to his residence here, a good
assortment of Saxon and Spanish Merinos, which promise to
be a great benefit to the flocks on this river, besides
the advantages he will individually derive from them.
Twenty four miles above this, at Holdsworthy Downs, Lieut.
Gibbs,
Mr. Carlisle R.N. and the
Messrs Little
are settled, with
Mr. McIntyre
agent for Potter Macqueen M.P. Farther on again, several
young Scotchmen have taken grants upon some fine clear
downs along the banks of a branch of the Goulburn. All
these gentlemen possess sheep, and indeed there is no
settler of any note upon this extensive river, who is not
turning his attention to the production of fine wool.
|