ne they are
rarely met with; and, since the tides flow to a considerable distance
up all the rivers, the water of these is in many parts of the district
brackish and unfit for use; besides which, in the summer-time, the
smaller streams become dry, or dwindle down into mere chains of ponds,
barely sufficient to supply the wants of the cattle.

The next county to the southward of Cumberland is named Camden, which
continues the line of coast, extending itself about sixty-six miles in
length, and being in breadth, towards the interior, about fifty-five
miles. This is a more mountainous district than Cumberland, and abounds
in lofty timber, but, nevertheless, there are several large tracts of
great fertility contained within its limits. The district called
Illawarra, or the Five Islands, and that of the Cow Pastures, are the
most remarkable; and being both of them rural districts, they may be
briefly described here. Illawarra is a very peculiar spot: it is
situated immediately between the sea and a range of high hills, so steep
that they are almost impassable, while on the remaining side, upon which
neither of these two boundaries enclose it, Illawarra is bounded by the
Shoal Haven River. The district thus separated by nature from the
adjoining country, extends about eighteen miles along the coast, and
is said to comprise 150,000 acres of most beautiful scenery and very
fertile soil. The greater part of Illawarra is heavily timbered, and it
is said to be not well fitted for the rearing of sheep; but for the
plough its deep vegetable soil is admirably suited, and whenever the
land begins to feel the effect of repeated cropping, there are means of
enriching it at hand in the large heaps of decayed shells to be found
upon the sea-shore, which would furnish an excellent manure. The
communication between this fertile spot, and the nearest market of any
consequence, Sydney, is carried on almost entirely by water; and the
Shoal Haven River being navigable for vessels of eighty or ninety tons
to the distance of twenty miles up the country, affords the ready means
of conveying produce to the capital from many parts of Illawarra.
Besides this navigable river, the southern boundary of the district,
there are many smaller streams which issue from the mountains to the
north and west, so that the country is well watered, besides which
advantage it is said to have a larger share of rain than many other
parts of the colony, and to be shelte