NOTES OF A VISIT TO TASMANIA.

Cromwell Argus, Volume VI, Issue 315, 24 November 1875, Page 6

NOTES OF A VISIT TO TASMANIA.

( Concluded.) Tu u doing tho lions” of Hobartown, ’ the tourist , should not omit the ascent of Mount Wellington, which rises inline* diately behind tho town to an elevation of 4100 feet above soa level, and commands a truly wonderful prospect, which may bo said to beggar description. Looking from the summit on a clear day are spread out like a map before tho observer, on the one hand, the_ entire estuary of the Derwent, and various other inlets and harbors towards tho east coast, a vast expanse of ocean to the south, and the fine estuary of the Avon to the south-west; on the other hand, turning towards the interior, the eye takes in at a glance the upper valley of the Derwent and its tributaries, the elevated lakes from which those streams derive their sources, and in the dim background tho Western Tiers, as the mountains forming the backbone of the island, are called. Altogether those and other minor elements in the landscape, seen on a clear day, combine to form a scene which the lover of nature in her grandest outlines, cannot fail to appreciate. There are many pleasant excursions to be made in the neighborhood of Hobartown, but perhaps the most enjoyable is that to New Norfolk, 22 miles up the Derwent. This trip is best performed by water, in the fast little steamer “ Monarch,” which runs regulary. The scenery passed through forms a picturesque and everchanging panorama. The river narrows about four miles below New Norfolk and maintains a width of 150 yards, and is deep for two miles above the village where Hie tide ceases to influence it. The village (f New Norfolk is embowered in orchards and ledges, and seems a delightfully secluded spot, though within easy reach of the capital. The principal attraction here is the tishIreeding establishment, called the “ Salmon Ponds,” situated seven miles further up the 'alley on a small brook named the Plenty, ▼here the rearing of salmon trout, great lake tout, and English trout is carried on most successfully, and from whence all the best streams in the island have been stocked. Tho true salmon which were turned out soma nur years ago have not yet been caught, and') > iccordingly their success is doubtful as yet. The other three species above mentioned are hriving amazingly in the Derwent, which is ,ruly a river calculated to delight the eye of she disciple of Izaak Walton. It also receives some considerable tributaries, among sthers the Clyde, Ouse, and Shannon, issuing :rom a group of elevated lakes, all thoroughly suited for fish-culture. The cultivation of hops is carried on to a considerable extent in the rich alluvial flats of this valley, from New Norfolk to Hamilton, and gives employment at certain seasons to a large number of the Hobartown people. The quality of the hops produced here is second to none ; and this industry proves exceedingly remunerative to those fortunate enough to possess soil suitable for the purpose. Having satisfied our curiosity in this quar ter we returned overland to Launceston, with the intention of visiting the agricultural districts of the North and West. In pursuance of this intention, we took advantage of the Launceston and Western railway, (which intersects some of the richest land in tho island,) visiting Evandale, Perth, and Longford, all pleasant districts situated in tho vale of the South Esk. Advancing by Westbury to Deloraine, the country passed through is of the richest description, very much resembling the midland counties of England, both in general appearance and in the° style of farming, which in most cases is very careless. It seems unaccountable that such lethargy should bo displayed by the inhabitants of a district possessed of great natural advantages in soil and climate, with easy means of access (within thirty hours) to Mel • bourne. But a change must come ere long, and the gradual development of the mineral resources of the colony now taking place will doubtless infuse new life and energy, am" possibly a little new blood, among the owners and tillers of the soil.

Deloraine, at present the terminus of the rail in this direction, is a poor village, but prettily situated on the Meander stream. Passing on by Dairy Plains,—a rich spot, famous for cheese-making,—the village of Chudleigh is reached. In the neighborhood are some fine caves, containing stalactites, and well worthy of a visit. Thence westward the clearings are less continuous, and the country comparatively unreclaimed as yet, heavy timber predominating. The Western Tiers form a picturesque background to the plains. They arc thickly timbered nearly to their summits, which in some instances reach an elevation of 5000 feet above sea level. Large tracts of Crown lands are occupied for pastoral purposes at a mere nominal rent, and in some instances in the outlying districts without any right but that of’ occupation. It may seem incredible at first sight, but it is a fact, that a considerable portion of the west side of this small island is yet unexplored. In conclusion, it may be observed that Tasmania, though one of the oldest colonies in Australasia, is yet in its infancy and comparatively undeveloped. And the most feasible plan that has been mooted as a remedy for this anomalous state of affairs is contained in three words, viz.: Annexation to Victoria, This plan has met the approbation of many of the settlers, and would, there is every reason to believe, prove beneficial to both colonies. And were the progressive policy of Victoria fairly established here, Tasmania would soon rank as one of the most pros perous colonies in the Southern Hemisphere.