890 Transactions. — Geology. 



In one of the creeks large deposits of red ferriferous clay are 

 to be found, containing by analysis about 16 per cent, of iron, 

 a specimen of which I have secured — markeji " No. 1." 



II. — On leaving the first lot of springs the traveller takes the 

 track cutting across the creek into which the water from the 

 two baths flows, and gradually ascends a low spur. After this 

 he descends on to a flat, and the road is very easy. Soon the 

 fern land is lost sight of, and the forest is again entered, and in 

 about an hour the point is reached where the second lot of 

 thermal springs are situated. 



There is nothing to mark the locality, and, as the bush is 

 very dense, no small amount of caution is requisite, otherwise 

 the object of search is sure to be missed. Ferns greet one on all 

 sides — the ground is covered with them. Fungi of various 

 kinds are noticed on the trees, and graceful festoons of LijgocUum 

 articulatum, intermixed with vines of supplejack, {RJdpogomnn 

 scandcns,) are in places diflicult to avoid. The vegetation in this 

 part of the forest is very rank, and will amply repay the labours 

 of the botanist. 



A small clearing is soon reached, and the dark outline of the 

 creek in which the springs are situated is seen in the distance. 

 A little caution is necessary in approaching, as quantities of 

 mud will be found in the vicinity, for the most part hot, and in 

 places steaming ; and should the unwary traveller find himself 

 kuee-deep, the experience will be the reverse of pleasant. 



All is quiet, save alone the sound of the water as it trickles 

 over the stones and falls from one hole into another. Some of 

 these holes are simply filled with muddy water ; while others, 

 and notably one of the natural baths, are full ot clear hot water 

 of a green colour. In exploring some of the many branches 

 feeding the main creek it is necessary to take ofi' one's boots and 

 stockings ; and in doing this no small amount of care is requi- 

 site, for in places where the water appears, and is in fact, cold, 

 yet, on wading about, inruimerable spots are found where the 

 stones in the bed of the creek are quite hot, and where hot 

 water is constantly coming up, though not in sutHcient quan- 

 tity to reach the surface. Steam rises from several holes, and on 

 digging down a few inches almost boiling water can be obtained. 

 A strong sulphurous odour pervades the locality, and a good 

 deal of silicious deposit is noticed that is not met with at the 

 first springs. I have secured some of this deposit, which 

 accompanies this paper, marked " No. 2." There are two rough 

 natural baths found at these springs, with temperatures of 

 124° Fah. and 110° Fah. respectively, each holding a con- 

 siderable amount of water, that runs out as fast as it runs in. 



The water discolours silver, and has a strong saline taste 

 with a slight sensation of bitterness. It is, in my opinion, much 

 stronger than that found at the first lot of springs. 



