Present State of Van Diemen's Land, Comprising an Account of its Agricultural Capabilities, With Observations on the Present State of Farming, &c. &c. Pursued in That colony : and Other Important Matters Connected with Emigration
Maker
Henry Widowson
Date1829
Object number00005616
NameBook
MediumInk on paper, leather, cloth bound boards
DimensionsOverall: 20 x 231 x 149 mm, 0.45 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionBook by Henry Widowson titled "Present State of Van Diemen's Land, Comprising an Account of its Agricultural Capabilities, With Observations on the Present State of Farming, &c. &c. Pursued in That Colony : and Other Important Matters Connected with Emigration."
S. Robinson, London, England, 1829.HistoryHenry Widowson came to Van Diemen's Land aboard the ALBION, which departed London in November 1825 and reached Hobart in May 1826. Captain Bartholomew Thomas who was a partner in The New South Wales and Van Diemen’s Land Establishment had charted the vessel. This private company was based on the hope of receiving large land grants in both colonies on which they could quality sheep, cattle and horses. The governor of New South Wales, Ralph Darling, had encouraged the men to focus on Van Diemen's Land and Captain Thomas had a brother residing in Hobart. These factors ultimately resulted in the company solely operating there and in operation for thirty years.
Widowson was the head groom in charge of the Cleveland and Flemish horses aboard the ALBION. Also on board were Shorthorn and Hereford cattle and various breeds of sheep. Unfortunately, more than half the animals died on the voyage and things did not improve on their arrival at Van Diemen’s Land. Initially granted land on the Ringarooma River, the company sailed there on the schooner SALLY in June 1826. However, the vessel was wrecked with the loss of 13 lives and many of the company's implements and stores.
Widowson survived the disaster but left the enterprise soon after. He gained considerable knowledge of the region and an understanding of the colony in Van Diemen's Land.
Widowson returned to England in 1827 and in 1829 he published 'Present state of Van Diemen's Land: Comprising of an Account of its Agricultural Capabilities with Observations on the Present State of Farming Pursued in that Colony, and other Important Matters Connected with Emigration.'
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