MARIA ISLAND is situated between 2 and 3 miles from the E. coast of Van Diemen's Land, in Lat. 42. 40. S., Long. 148. 10. E. It is about 12 miles in length from N. to S., by 7 in extreme breadth. It consists of two parts, connected by a low and narrow neck of sand, almost covered at high water, but it rises at either extremity into mountains. On each side of the isthmus there is a large bay,—that on the W. being called Oyster Bay, and that on the E. Reidle Bay. The shores of the island abound in seals and zoophytes, and immense quantities of sea-weeds, growing up from a depth of 250 or 300 feet, impede navigation. The geological structure of Maria Island is principally of trap; but on the E. coast perpendicular cliffs of granite rise to the height of 300 or 400 feet from the sea; and as they are pierced by many large caverns, the sea rolls in with a noise resembling thunder. On the other side of the island the land slopes gradually down to the sea-level. The soil of the interior is rich and productive, and the scenery extremely picturesque. On the northern extremity is situated the valley of Darlington. This island was discovered by Tasman in 1642.