T.\TE ALLAN CUNNINGHA^f, ESQ. 255 



tima, and Spinifex sericeus, at whose south extreme we enter- 

 ed a very shady matted thicket, consisting of many tropical 

 trees peculiar to such umbrage, (and which we had frequently 

 remarked during our last voyage,) of which Strychnos lucida, 

 a species of Terminalia, Santalum ovatum, and Olea panicula- 

 ta, were the most remarkable. In our return along the 

 beach, I gathered specimens of a species of Dodonaa, seen on 

 the shores of Rodd's Bay last year. Euphorbia sp., Acacia 

 polystac/iT/ai and the Casuarina of the last voyage, again afford- 

 ed me ripe seeds." 



On the 27th July, they anchored for a second time in En- 

 deavour River. The state of the place, as compared with 

 its last year's appearance, is thus graphically described by Mr 

 Cunningham. 



" Grass and herbage had again densely covered the whole 

 of the cleared spot, and some stumps of large trees that had 

 been cut down on our first visit, had thrown out very strong 

 and luxuriant branches, bidding fair in a year or two more to 

 rear their heads again to their usual stature. Upon walking 

 towards the waterguUy, we found all was dry ; and although 

 some few plants had pushed forth their tender foliage, the 

 general face of vegetation seemed to indicate it to be the 

 height of the dry season. The Erythin,v of these shores, 

 (and indeed of the whole line of coast within the tropic,) at 

 this period perfectly bdre of leaves, exhibits a beautiful and 

 striking appearance, its naked branches everywhere studded 

 with its scarlet-flowers. I traced a line of rocky gully up to 

 the hills, but found every cavity dried up; nor did I observe 

 any plant of moment in my subsequent route over the hills, 

 on my way back to the vessels, excepting Grevillea gibbosa, 

 still bearing its ripe fruit. 



" In consequence of the general drought of the southern 

 shore, a party was sent at daybreak to examine the extremity 

 of the northern coast, where water had been observed last 

 year. I availed myself of this opportunity of seeing that dis- 

 trict, and accompanied the officer who had charge of the 

 boat's crew at an early hour. We landed at the base of the 



