The Placer herald., 1857-03-21
NUMBER %.
A Romantic Proceeding-Removal of the
Inhabitants of Pitcairn's Island.

|
descendants of the mutineers of the English
ship Bounty, whose romantic history has ex-
cited worldwide interest, have been re-
moved from Pitcairn's Island, in consequence
Of the colony having out grown the means
of sustenance which the island afforded
They were transferred to Norfolk Island, to-
gether with all their goods and chattels.
There are only eight of the first generation
of settlers eft--two men and six women
The Oldest man is about sixty one or sixty
two, and the Oldest woman between seventy
and eighty. Charles Christian is the grand
son of the ringleader Of the mutineers. The
number of persons removed was 100; 81
males and 102 females, one child having
been born on the voyage, and named Denn-
son after the Governor-G General of New South
Wales Pitcairn's Island is situated in lat
25 s.. long. 1870 % W., and and is only
about four and ahaf miles in circumference,
one mile and a half being its greatest length
not more than one square mile is available
for culivation yet it has been the isolated
home of happy and thriving settlement of
nearly 200 souls Owing to the frugal and
temperate habits of the people and the health
fitness of the climate, the population has
out grown its circumscrbed limits.
Their new home-Norfolk Islands sit
uatcd in lat. 80 s., and long, l6S 10 f..
being distant from Sidney about twelve hun
dred miles. 1t is six miles in length and four
| in breadth, and contains about 1000 acres.
It is well watered and there is a high hill in
the centre, called Mount Pitt. For many
years it was the penal settlement for the
viest and most ncorrgible transported cri-
minaIs sent from England to Van Diemau's
Land. But since the abolition of transporta-
ton to Tasmania, the convics have been
Withdrawn from the Island. The locality To
which these settlers have thus voluntarily
transferred themselves is infinitely preferable
to their former circumscribed home, both III
dimensions, scenery aud capabilities. 1t has
been described as a little earthly paradise,
and is capable of producing everything that
can promote the well being of a community.
There are 1000 or 5000 acres Of fine land
now in cultivation and as much more might
be rendered fruitful The island is very
healthy and no epdemics are known there
The soil produces both tropical and European
fruits, vegetables and grain, besides Spices
the sugar cane, cinnamon, coffee, the pepper
vine, tobacco, &c.
There were left at Norfolk Island for the
use of its new occupants, 1000 sheep, 459
head Of cattle and 20 horses, and provisions
for twelve months with every requisite for
the cultivation Of the soil The buildings on
the island are of the most substantial charac-
ter, and more than sufficient for the use of
the Pitcairn settlers, who, in their former
home, dwet in rude, palm thatched houses
The fine scenery, superior accommodations
enlarged territory, and increased field Of
operations for their industry, together with
the ample provisions made for their susie
nance, must render their new homes very
attractive spot for these people of simple
habits.
The history of this interesting colony, al
though known to large portion of the read
ing community, may not be familiar to all.
The ship Bounty, commanded by Captain
Bligh, was dispatched by the British Govern
ment to Tahiti to convey young bread-fruit
trees to the West Indies. While on the
voyage the crew mutnied, murdered the
Captain, set adrift part Of their number,
and took the ship to pitcairn's Island, where
they arrived IN 1889, with nine lahtian men
and thirteen women. There were ten of the
mutineers and their fate was for a long time
unknown. From them sprang the present
thriving colony.