THE NORTH-AUSTRALIAN EXPEDITION. 169 



Geijeras, Eremophila Mitchelli, some Dodonceas, Pholidia polyclada, 

 Myoporum, Cassias, amongst which the extraordinary 0. circinata, a 

 small Cedrelaceous tree, Bursaria, some Rubiaceous bushes, included 



Cofft 



Melaleucas 



longifolius 



bolus, very distinct from the two described species (A. leptomeroides), a 

 Plectranthus, with exactly the smell of Cloves (P. caryophyllatus), Pit- 

 tosporum acacioides, several species of Capparis, a new Ferbena, several 

 Cissi and Asclepiadece ', form the principal constituents of the Brigalow 

 Scrub, through which Eucalypti are scattered of various kinds. Your E. 

 populifolius is one of the principal forest-trees of this part of the country. 



Towards Peak-range we entered upon the richest basaltic plains 

 imaginable ; but unfortunately for many months in the year they are 

 destitute of water. An abundant development of Composite was here per- 

 ceptible for the first time, the yellow patches of Brachycome chrysoglossa 

 being visible for long distances. Meisneria, Pycnosorus, Ixiolcena, Podo- 

 lepis, Helipterum punctatum, Zygophyllum apiculatum, and many other 

 southern plants, seem to reach here their northern boundary-line, aud 

 I have been particular in taking notice in what succession the southern 

 plants advanced into the tropical and subtropical latitudes, many 

 stretching as far as 18° S. Polygonum aviculare, Oxalis microphylla, 

 Datura Stramonium, Sonclius oleraceus, Teucrium argutum, were the first 

 we met, and although we passed the country only in one line, still I 

 think that I am able to fix approximately the northern boundary of 

 more than a hundred New South Wales species. 



But it was not until we reached the Burnett, and, above all, the 

 Brisbane River, that I could enjoy the sight and the shade of the dark 

 forest-vegetation, which covers there in many places, hill and dale, 

 where Araucaria Bidwilli and Eutassa Cunninghami send their lofty 

 crowns over all other trees, and where the monotony of Eucalyptus 

 gives way to the delightful shade of Sapindaceous, Meliaceous, Cedre- 

 laceous, Celastrinious, Laurinarious, Sapotaceous, and Euphorbiaceous 

 trees, mixed with Acmene, Pittosporum, Eupomatia, Castanospermum, 

 etc. ; numerous climbers concealing beneath them the lovely Aneilemas, 

 Ferns, Lobelias, and many other tender plants, a vegetation which to 

 picture I will not attempt. I was however so charmed with what 1 



after our arrival 



VOL. IX. 



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