James Stirling

“ The best soil, the finest blue-gum timber, and some good grass are to be found on the hilly land; but even on the rest of the land there is generally food for Cattle, and on the Downs skirting the coast affords very good sheep pasturage.
The anchorage is sheltered from the usual winter winds, but is open to those which blow between South and ESE. Its merits cannot be estimated without further experience. ”

“ The position chosen for the new Town possesses the advantages of excellent soil, plenty of good water, a pleasant aspect, and east access in moderate weather to the anchorage and to the interior country. The Inlet is of considerable extent, and leads to a River named the "Blackwood" which runs to the North about 15 miles, and 10 miles to the east before it ceases to be navigable for boats. its banks are covered with good timber of the stringy bark and red gum kinds, but the soil is a light sandy loam which is seldom sufficiently strong for cultivation. ”

“ Cape Lewin is the southern termination of the third range. This seems to be inferior in extent as well as in altitude to the other two ranges, as it disappears at Cape Naturaliste and is not again seen except in "Moresby's flat topped Range", 300 miles to the north on the same meridian.
On these ranges and in their intervening valleys the soil varies according to position and altitude. On the higher hills and mountains the surface is rugged and stony: in the regions intermediate between their summits and their bases the soil is excellent ”