IQl8 \ 



Excursion to Bendigo. 109 



followed the track for some distance through the l)usii, Acacia 

 pycnanlha, with its lovely blooms, arousing our admiration. 

 Then, leaving the track, return was made as direct as possible 

 to the tram terminus, the city being reached about 7 p.m. 

 Owing to the lack of abundant rain, the bush was not so moist 

 as usual in September, and in consequence some flowers were 

 not at their best. Orchids were rare, Glossodia major, Diitris 

 longifolia, Caladcnia carnea, Picrosfylis niifans (a very fine 

 patch) being observed. The most notable features were the 

 imfailing profusion of the Wax-flower, the gregarious habit 

 of the Anemone Boronia, and the splendid bloom of Acacia 

 l^ycnantha, A. diffusa, and A. armaia amid the ironbark trees. 

 The Geebung. Persooiiia rigida, was in fruit, also the Cranberry, 

 Aslroloma hinnifiisa. No Loranthus (Mistletoe) was seen, the 

 ironbarks especially, as the name would indicate, being unsuit- 

 able as a host for the parasite. 



Next day the intention had been, first, to inspect trans- 

 versely the main lines of reef along the most productive 

 auriferous zone ; but the party, being more interested in the 

 flora, grudged the time, so proceeded by tram at 10 a.m. 

 to Eaglehawk, the north-western extremity of the field. 

 Opportunity was taken en route to note incidentally the main 

 lines of reef — New Chum and Victoria, Garden Gully and 

 Hustler's — the many abandoned claims and dismantled plants 

 showing that gold-mining has indeed fallen on evil days. At 

 Eaglehawk, passing through the well-kept public gardens hy 

 Lake Neangar, we proceeded under Mr. Paton's guidance to 

 Lightning Hill, which commands a good view. The extensive 

 surface workings, showing the outcropping reef formation and 

 quartz spurs, were inspected : then we proceeded to the fringe 

 merging into the Whipstick Scrub, which in its vegetation is 

 somewhat distinct from the range country, although a con- 

 tinuation of the same auriferous area. The ground is gently 

 imdulating, and the soil drier and hotter, so we found earlier 

 flowering than at Spring Gully, and other differences in a 

 changed environment. The eucalypts of the scrub were 

 smaller, more resembling in growth those of the Mallee, E. 

 viridis, a Mallee species, being strongly characteristic of the 

 area. Acacia pycnantha had faded, but A. acinacea was in 

 very fine bloom, whilst the rarer Acacia calaniifolia, here in 

 luxuriant growth, although slightly past its best, still showed 

 some beautiful masses of golden blossoms, and a little earlier 

 must have made a glorious show along the Ra3^wood road. 

 The Eriostemon was neither so plentiful nor so full of bloom. 

 Correa spcciosa was very poor. Teirathcca ciliata was in good 

 flower. Brachylome daphnoides, in bud in the ranges, was here 

 in flower and fruit, as was also Leptomeria aphylla, the Leafless 



