Page:Tales-of-Banks-Peninsula Jacobson 2ed 1893 cropped.pdf/271

the writer fully recognises the absolute necessity of clearing the bush away, but he cannot help regretting it. The reason that the upper part of the Peraki Valley is certainly more beautiful than any other place on the Peninsula, is that it is so completely in a state of nature—one great mass of varied foliage, “musical with birds.” It will go soon, and with it will vanish the wild pigeons, and the majority of the other birds. Messrs. Snow and Anson did their very best to save some of the handsomer trees in the valley. A few groves left here and there will, at any rate, remind one in a year or two, of a beauty that will then have passed away for ever. But, to resume. On and on we go down the long valley, the beautiful harbour being full in sight, its sheltered water smooth as a mill pond, while white crests ornament the waves outside. There is a calm beauty in this scene too, different of course from the mighty grandeur of the peaks, and the wondrous variety of the forest tints, but yet of exceeding merit. The centre of the valley is still here and there dotted with scrub, and wherever water has seamed the side of the spurs a line of green bushes marks its course. Here and there the picturesque tents and huts of the bush and grass seed cutters relieve the eye; and beyond all, the two long low spurs clasp in a loving shelter that historical sheet of water, on whose beach landed the first white settlers of this island. Crossing numerous small creeks we at last reach the station, which is sheltered from the nor’-west by a row of great gum trees. The house is surrounded by a pleasant orchard, which was planted and tended with great care by one of those Carews who were its former proprietors. It is said that when he left he cut down two pear trees, saying that the fruit was so delicious he could not bear to think of strangers eating it. There are convenient buildings all round, and good paddocks for the cattle. The yards and