Patches of the shores of Port Philip were visible at some distance to the N.E., whilst on the point forming the eastern entrance, a few huts could be discovered along the shore, and some hills in the back ground covered with luxuriant verdure and crowned with trees. The sea-sick eyes of the passengers dwelt upon the landscape with that delight which possibly only a painter may partially comprehend: four months upon the ocean however, will discover many beauties in nature, which else must remain hidden. Dark sombre woods, which clothed parts of the coast, even to the water's edge, were pronounced "beautiful" and "enchanting;" but forty miles of the same view became monotonous; and by the time they had neared Hobson's Bay, the effect was no more than if so much green baize had been spread before the weary eyes that were tracing the vessel's progress.
The setting sun witnessed the "Big Ann" laying tranquilly at anchor off Williamstown—the port of Melbourne. Thank God, the last of the 16,000 miles was completed. The regular Government officers came on board, and the ship being pronounced healthy, the emigrants were told to prepare themselves for engagements on the morrow. There was great carousing that night in all parts of the ship. Early the next morning her decks were crowded with persons anxious to engage servants.
The captain was gone ashore with his papers, and the stout and pompous colonial magistrate, whose company we have avoided during the voyage, was strutting about the poop in all his overgrown dignity. The mate and he had only exchanged a few words since the commencement of the voyage, and those not of the most courteous or friendly nature. Mr. Moriarty seeing him alone, said to him, "Mr. Robberson, the time is
