The watershed of the eastern districts of Van Diemen's Land north of 41° 50' S. lat. lies close to the Pacific. The mountains which extend along the shores of the Pacific, and connect the northern part of the Eastern Tier with the range of the Ben Lomond, constitute a high range, overtopped by several summits. Ben Lomond is estimated to rise 4200 feet, high. The valleys of the North Esk and South Esk are fruitful portions of this district. North of the upper valley of the South Esk extends a region, the whole of which is probably occupied by mountains ; but the interior of it has not been explored. The gorge through which the South Esk flows above Launceston separates the valley of the Tamar, which lies north of it, from the Basin of Lincoln, which extends south of it. The Tamar is only a deep inlet of the sea, which nine up to the town of Launceston, where the two Eska fall into it. The tide flows no higher than Launceston. The Basin of Lincoln is the moat fertile portion of Van Diemen's Land. It extends from south-east to north-west about 25 miles, and as much from north-east to south-west; it is watered by several large rivers, which unite, and ultimately fall into the South Eak. The rivers are, ranging from east to west—Elizabeth River, Macquarrle River, Lake River, Pennyroyal River, and Maunder or Western River. Westward of this basin is the Western Tier, or Western Mountains.
Proceeding westward from the banks of the Mersey, two high and steep mountain ridges must be passed before that region is reached which is called the Surrey Hills, and which constitutes one of the most remarkable features of Van Diemen'. Land. It seems to be of somewhat a square form, and each side Is about 40 miles long. It gives origin to a great number of rivers, which run off in all directions. The region is elevated, cold, dry, and covered with good herbage. Between the valley of the Meander and the Surrey Hills on the south, and Bass's Strait on the north, is the hilly region of Devonshire. West of the Emu River begins the Great Plain. It occupies the north-western portion of the island, extending along the northern coast from the Emu to Cape Grim, and along the western coast to the Arthur River. It consists of an alternation of plains, swamps, sod forests, and contains only a few spots fitted for culti vation. The river Arthur, whose mouth is near 41'10' S. lat., is a river of considerable size, and brings down a large volume of water. The Emu river is navigable for boats for a few miles.
Climate and is a considerable difference between tho climate of Hobart Town on the southern and that of Launceston on the northern coost. At Hobart Town, heat, cold, rain, and sun shine succeed each other with great in winter, the same alternations, with the addition of hail and snow, follow each other In quick succession. Thunderstorms are less frequent than in Australia, but violent gusto of wind sometimes occur, which cause great destruction in the forests. Along the western coast strong
south-western winds prevail nearly all the year round, and render this tract almost inaccesaible on account of the want of harbours. The climate is very healthy ; no epidemic or contagious diseases have been observed, and acute diseases are generally mild and of short duration, and yield more easily to the usual remedies than in any other country.
The minerals of Van Diemen's Land include copper, iron, lead, zinc, manganese, coal, slate, salt, and sandstone. Gold is said to have been found, but as yet the quantity produced is small.
All grains cultivated in England succeed well in Van Diemen's Land. Wheat is of excellent quality. The vegetables and fruits of Europe are cultivated by the colonists in great abundance. The native forest-trees and shrubs are all evergreens. The moat useful trees are the stringy-bark tree, which is used for building and fencing; and the blue gum tree, of which most of tho boats in the colony are built.
The domestic animals of Europe thrive very well here. Sheep are most numerous. Wool and live stock are exported. Black cattle are numerous, and many head are annually exported. Some horses are also exported.
The spermaceti-whale is very abundant in Base's Strait, and many of them are annually taken, but more by the inhabitants of Australia than by those of Van Diemen's Land. Black whales abound in all the ACM round the island, and a very lucrative fishery is carried on along the southern coast. Whalebone and train-oil are important article. of export. Died of the land animals are similar to those of the neighbouring continent. [Ausrasua.] 1803 Lieutenant Bowen, commissioned by the government of New South Wales, landed on the east bank of the Derwent, and formally took possession of Van Diemene Land as a place of settlement. In the following year Colonel Collins, the first lieutenant-governor, arrived, and established the seat of government on the west bank of the Derwent i ho gave to the spot the name of Hobart Town, in compliment to Lord Ilobart, then secretary of state for the. colonies. In 1819 the immigration of free settlers from England commenced, the colony having been previously exclusively formed of criminals sent from New South Wales for crimes com mitted there, and of the civil and military officers charged with their superintendence. Till the year 1824 the government was subject to that of New South Wales; but it was then made independent of that colony. Great progress was made by tho colony between the years 1824 and 1836, during the administration of Colonel Arthur. Roads were formed and bridges constructed in different parts of the island; wholesome laws were introduced, and the fruits of enterprise and industry were secured by an improved police system.