TASMANIA, formerly known as Van Dieman's Land, is situated between parallels of 40°33′ and 43°39′ S. Lat., and between 144°39′ and 144°23′ Meridians E. Long, and corresponds with Southern France. It is irregularly heart-shaped and occupies an area of 26,215 square miles; nearly the area of Scotland. The main axis of the Great Cordillera bordering the eastern coast line of Australia may be traced across Bass Strait in a chain of islands, which almost continuously link Tasmania with Australia. Tasmania is wholly occupied with the ramifications of this chain which in the western half of the island rises into an extensive plateau with peaks attaining a height of 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. The island is beautiful in its scenery, with its open plains bordered by far extending precipitous mountain tiers, its isolated shaggy peaks and wooded ranges, and its many fine rivers and lakes. Its coasts, especially towards the south, are bold and frequently indented by splendid bays and harbours, such as the Derwent on which stands Hobart the Capital. On the western side the scenery resembles that of the Highlands of Ross and Inverness. Settlement has principally taken place among the plains and lower levels of the South Eastern, Midland, and North Western parts of the island, and more recently in the mineral districts of the West and North East. The climate is exceptionally genial and is one of the finest in the temperate zone (Johnston's Tasm. Official Record).