This town covers a considerable extent of ground, and would at first sight induce the belief of a much greater population than it actually contains.  This is attributable to two circumstances, the largeness of the leases, which in most instances possess sufficient space for a garden, and the smallness of the houses erected in them, which in general do not exceed one story.  From these two causes it happens, that this town does not contain above seven thousand souls, whereas one that covered the same extent of ground in this country would possess a population of at least twenty thousand.  But although the houses are for the most part small, and of mean appearance, there are many public buildings, as well as houses of individuals, which would not disgrace the best parts of this great metropolis.  Of the former class, the public stores, the general hospital, and the barracks, are perhaps the most conspicuous; of the latter the houses of Messrs. Lord, Riley, Howe, Underwood and Nichols.

The value of land in this town is in many places half as great as in the best situations in London, and is daily increasing.  Rents are in consequence exorbitantly high.  It is very far from a commodious house that can be had for a hundred a year, unfurnished.

Here is a very good market, although it is of very recent date.  It was established by Governor Macquarie, in the year 1813, and is very well supplied with grain, vegetables, poultry, butter, eggs and fruit.  It is, however, only held three times a week; viz. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  It is a large oblong enclosure, and there are stores erected in it by the Governor, for the reception of all such provisions as remain unsold at the close of the market, which lasts from six o’clock in the morning in summer, and seven o’clock in winter, until three o’clock in the evening.  The vender pays in return a small duty to the clerk of the market, who accounts quarterly for the amount to the treasurer of the police fund.  The annual amount of these duties is about L130.*

[* Vide Market Duties in the Appendix.]

Here also is a Bank, called “The Bank of New South Wales,” which was established in the year 1817, and promises to be of great and permanent benefit to the colony in general.  Its capital is L20,000, divided into two hundred shares.  It has a regular charter of incorporation, and is under the controul of a president* and six directors, who are annually chosen by the proprietors.  The paper of this bank is now the principal circulating medium of this colony.  They discount bills of a short date, and also advance money on mortgage securities.  They are allowed to receive in return an interest of 10 per cent. per annum.

[* See Appendix.]