at that time arising out of false information in any matter where the natives were concerned.
As it may be expected, that I should say something more about the localities I visited, of the climate I experienced, during so many years, and of other things and circumstances which more properly belong to the history of a country, than to that of an individual, I will add a few brief remarks.
The climate I found very genial, in temperature I suppose between that of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land; but during the winter months, the cold winds and rains, in the country near the coast, are very trying, even to the Aborigines, who often shrink before the heavy gales into hollow trees, caves, and holes in the rocks, in a pitiable manner. In the summer months, it is not so hot as many imagine, but as the heat generates myriads of musquittoes, and of a very large sort of horse fly, the traveller suffers much inconvenience and torment. These, however, are not peculiar to Port Phillip, for in all uncleared and uncultivated countries it is the same. To avoid these insects the natives carry their lighted fire-sticks, holding them to windward.
The thunder and lightning storms are occasionally very heavy, and I have already noticed the shock of an earthquake, but I never heard of any other. There was also one heavy flood, in consequence of continuous rains, but they are not often known to exceed the supply required by vegetation.
The trees and flowers.—I have not the ability to give
