MR. LAWRENCE’S EXCURSION, 237 
Formosa, 63°.) The rill from which we obtained water 
yielded some mosses, one of which I at first hoped would 
prove to be the rare Dawsonia polytrichoides, but on closer 
examination it turned out to be a species of the allied genus 
Polytrichum, and also an aquatic moss of peculiar aspect, 
which was unfortunately destitute of fructification. After 
collecting these, we continued our ascent, the way becoming 
more precipitous as we advanced. In the course of the day 
we arrived at the summit of the * Flat-topped mountain,” 
climbing over places which I felt very uncomfortable at look- 
ing down upon, but which my lighter and more active com- 
panion scaled with the apparent ease of a kangaroo. During 
the morning we passed the usual mountain plants, and gather- 
ing specimens of all such as were either in fruit or flower; 
among these were Drymophila cyanocarpa, several species of 
Pultenea, Lomatia polymorpha, and individuals of the genera 
Leucopogon, Hakea, Orites, &c. 
- Mr. Curson took two men to hunt, while I remained 
at a spot where we had fixed to encamp: after two hours, 
however, they returned empty-handed, while I had col- 
lected in the vicinity of the tent two species of Richea, an 
Eucalyptus, and several other plants. ‘The country here 
presents a rugged and romantic appearance, consisting of 
small wet flats or plains, over which are scattered projecting 
columns of basalt, and hemispherical masses of a kind of 
moss, resembling beautiful green velvet cushions, interspersed 
with fragments of rock, that bring to mind the appearance 
of ruined castles. After our tent was erected, we despatched 
two men again to hunt, but, a severe snow storm coming on, 
they returned unsuccessful. It was so cold that the men's 
kangaroo-skin caps and pouches were quite stiffened, and 
snow fell all night. 
January YT. (Thermometer 42°, 54°, 60°; at Formosa, 
67°, 70°.) The ground was covered to the depth of several 
inches with snow, but the sun, on its rising, gave promise of 
a fine day. After looking round and admiring for a short 
time the extensive panoramic scene beneath us, Mr. Curson 
