Revised 5/3/2009
The reader will have observed that the people had made a request to be removed to some spot, exempt from the visitations of famine; and that Norfolk Island, which, they understood, was no longer to be a penal settlement, had been pointed out by themselves as the scene of their future residence.* This island, which is situate on the 29th parallel of south latitude, north of New Zealand, is thus described by the Rev. F. S. Batchelor, who resided there between three and four years.
"The island is about twenty miles in circumference, with an average breadth of five or six miles. It is beautifully diversified with hills and dales, or, as the latter are generally designated, 'gullies;' and these low lands are exuberantly fertile. On the same plot of earth are growing pine-apples, figs, guavas, lemons, pomegranates, Cape-gooseberries, bananas, plantains, grapes, peaches, strawberries, apples, quinces, potatoes, cabbages, peas, and beans. Cinnamon and other spices abound; while tobacco, arrow-root, red pepper and sweet potatoes, can be cultivated to any extent. Maize, barley, wheat, and rye, grow on the higher and more level land. In my time the commandant, J. Price, Esq., introduced the cocoa-nut tree and planted orange-trees in all directions; which, doubtless, before this, have brought forth fruit to perfection. Thousands of acres are in high cultivation; and much more of the island can be speedily reclaimed, and made available for any purpose. Fortunately, too, there are a number of capital stone-built houses, really large and handsome buildings, which would not disgrace our large cities; and plenty of store-houses, granaries, barns, &c., with a neat chapel, capable of holding a thousand persons; not to mention another similar building, formerly used by the Roman Catholics for divine service. Indeed, I should think it might be designated an island of palaces, compared with Pitcairn's Island, and its accommodations. Besides tools, and other implements of husbandry, now in use by the convict population, there is a capital stock of cows, sheep, horses, pigs, and poultry, which would be invaluable to a new community.
"There are plenty of fish to be caught at all seasons: salmon, herrings, trumpeter, king-fish, snapper, guard-fish, and mullet; some of which are very delicate and delicious, and all eatable: while in the fresh water streams, which intersect the island in all directions, there are magnificent eels, weighing from one to seven pounds. There is doubtless great danger in fishing from the rocks which stud the coast, as the sea often rises, in a moment, to the height of seven or ten feet; and the drawback, or receding of the waves, is absolutely terrific, so that few Europeans washed off have been able to make the land again. However, the Pitcairners must have been accustomed from their infancy to fish in such dangerous waters, so they would feel quite at home. The whole island teems with life. Parrots and parroquets, of various kinds, swarm in your path. Pigeons (originally the common English pigeon let loose) are in innumerable flocks; and magnificent wood-guests, plovers, and sandpipers are often to be had. No venomous reptile of any kind is on the island; and it is very rarely indeed that you ever feel or see the mosquito, which seems indigenous to all other warm localities."