BY J. D. COX AND A. G. HAMILTON. 397 



The whole district is well watered by the Cudgegong and its 

 tributaries, and although rugged and barren in places, is very rich 

 in minerals. The valley of the Cudgegong is fertile, and while 

 the flats are eminently suitable for agriculture, the uplands are 

 unequalled for sheep raising, and for pastoral purposes generally. 

 The whole of the country, though now much cleared, was originally 

 timbered, in places very heavily, principally with Eucalypts and 

 apple-trees (Angophora intermedia). 



In regard to its geological features, the principal formation is 

 Silurian, and the Coal-Measures extend from the Dividing Range 

 to Guntawang and Beaudesert, where shales occur, and by Talle- 

 wang and Cobbora (where coal has been found) to Dubbo. As 

 already mentioned, at Cooyal the Hawkesbury sandstone composes 

 the Dividing Range. Near Home Rule granite occurs and 

 outcrops of igneous rocks are seen in various places. Limestone 

 also is found in a few spots. 



1. Circus assimilis, Jcird. dc Selb. 



Most commonly met with in the spring months when it builds 

 among wheat and long grass on the river flats. Nest, a few sticks 

 placed triangularly. The egg is white, rather rough, and has a 

 greenish-blue lining membrane. 



2. AsTUR NoViE-HoLLANDiiE, Gmel 

 A rare bird here. 



3. AsTUR APPROxiMANS, Vig. & Hots. 



Very daring birds, attacking pigeons and chickens close to the 

 house, and even killing such birds as Dacelo gigas. 



4. ACCIPITER CIRROCEPHALUS, Vieill. 



These birds breed in the district, sometimes building a nest for 

 themselves or taking possession of an old magpie's nest. They kill 

 small birds, but seldom touch Myzantha garrula, notwithstanding 

 their numbers. We have, however, seen them attack these birds 

 when mobbed by them. 



