^•^J^'l Nethkrcote and Johnson, Trip to Talbot Peak. 85 



liquid notes of the Harmonious Thrush were heard, and a 

 White -throated Tree-creeper cHmbed round and round a 

 neighbouring tree. 



At the point known as " The Myrtles " (3,500 feet) we made 

 for water, which was quite near the track. Some fine speci- 

 mens of the Myrtle Beech, Fagus Cunniiighami, and the 

 Mountain Pepper, Driinys aroniatica, were noted here. Half 

 a mile further on, " The Rocks " (4,000 feet) were reached. 

 Here a decided change is noticed in the vegetation ; all large 

 trees stopped abruptly. One could imagine oneself on a small 

 point of Mount Buffalo, as huge granite boulders abounded 

 everywhere. Birds were not plentiful before, but here they 

 ceased altogether. At this point one of the main interests of 

 the trip began. Hitherto the vegetation passed through could 

 be seen nearer Melbourne ; but, once above the 4,000 feet level, 

 we began to meet the more alpine growths. A few odd flowers 

 of Richea Gitnnii and the Mountain Speedwell, Veronica nivea, 

 were collected ; but unfortunately the general flowering season 

 was past. 



The first patches of snow were now met with, and gradually 

 the whole expanse became one white, glistening mass of snow. 

 The silence was only broken by the rattle of the billy on one 

 of the swags and the sharp yelp of a fox not far distant. 



After leaving " The Rocks " the climb became more gradual. 

 The twisted trunks and branches of the Snow Gums, Eucalyptus 

 coriacea, added to the weirdness of the scenery. Reaching the 

 top, we traversed for a short distance through boggy country. 

 Clump'^ of Mountain Gentian, Gentiana saxosa, with their 

 white flowers and brown stems, had pushed their way through 

 the snow. Photographs were taken here, but standing caused 

 the snow to thaw, with the result that it trickled in between 

 the boot -laces ; so, before reaching Talbot Peak (5,000 feet), 

 we were a decidedly cold-footed company. A fine view was 

 obtained here — Mount Howitt (in the main Divide), the Gipps- 

 land Lakes, Wilson's Promontory, and even the narrow strip 

 of Anderson's Inlet were visible. Smoke was issuing from the 

 chimney of the tourists' hut, for a party had not long arrived 

 from the Warburton side. Owing to their kindness we were 

 soon seated in front of a blazing fire, enjoying hot toast and 

 tea. The return journey the next day was accomplished 

 without adventure, and we reached Walhalla thoroughly pleased 

 with our first glimpse of the Baw Baw plateau, and purpose 

 revisiting it during the Christmas holidays, which will be a more 

 favourable time for collecting botanical specimens. 



