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July \2th. — At daybreak I started for Flinders' Peak, 

 distant about ten miles. The first three miles lay over a 

 beautiful country, when the soil changed to a light red sand, 

 and the ascent of the lateral bi'anches of the Peak com- 

 menced. For the first two miles the rise is very gentle, 

 afterwards it becomes much more abrupt, and with this 

 change in the geology ensues a consequent alteration in the 

 soil and its productions. Having climbed a very high range, 

 we obtained a magnificent view of the Peak, with its terrific 

 northern front of perpendicular rock. The southern side 

 appeared to be more accessible, being clothed with thick 

 brushwood to the very summit. 



From the situation which we had now attained, we clearly 

 saw the impossibility of reaching the top by sunset, and 

 having made no preparations for remaining an additional 

 day on the journey, we determined upon descending into the 

 valley to bivouac for the night, some of the party endeavour- 

 ing in the mean time to penetrate as far as its base by a 

 valley which promised to be practicable, but which proved 

 quite otherwise. At sunset we halted on the edge of a lagoon, 

 and formed a hut of grass to sleep in, the whole party being 

 completely exhausted through fatigue. 



July ISth. — The morning was excessively cold. At break 

 of day we retraced our way to the Limestone Station, where 

 we arrived at ten o'clock. The rest of the day was devoted 

 to the examination of the neighbouring district, and the coal 

 seams, which are abundant. The view from the Limestone 

 Hills is extensive, and the exact bearings were ascertained of 

 the centre of the Pass in the Dividing Range, Flinders' Peak, 

 Sir Herbert Taylor's Range, and Mount Forbes. The 

 country between the Limestone Station and Brisbane Town, 

 seems low and open. 



Jicly lith. — At eight o'clock, embarked for Brisbane Town, 

 and reached it at half-past nine in the evening. 



July I5th. — Went to examine the lower part of Breakfast 

 Creek, and discovered a gigantic species of Aspidium, bear- 

 ing fructification only on the terminal pinnae. It is a native 

 of salt marshes, and generally grows from 5 to 6 feet high. 



