352 EVIDENCES OF EXTENSIVE GLACIER ACTION AT MT. KOSCIUSKO, 



almost as frequent as the splitting with the joints. The pieces so 

 split, moreover, show generally a very even surface, which adds 

 to the appearance as if they had been ground level. One cannot, 

 however, mistake such fractures if they are carefully examined. 

 Besides, very frequently both planes are found in close proximity, 

 and being still free from any growth of lichens it proves their 

 recent separation. The most remarkable boulder met with by me 

 may be described as follows. The two faces of it are perfectly 

 level and meet at an angle of about 140° and therefore cross the 

 f^ame joints in two directions. On first approaching this remark- 

 able specimen I felt delighted, thinking that I had met with a 

 unique glaciated block ; when, however, on close examination, I 

 could not discover any traces of polish or striae I came to the 

 conclusion that the sha})e of the boulder was attributable rather 

 to extraordinary fractures than to glaciation. I am the more 

 inclined to this belief because the specimen is comparatively rich 

 in quartz, and therefore should have resisted erosion better than 

 many of the other boulders met everywhere.* 



So much for the glacier-polished rocks, which are certainly 

 extremely rare in these regions. However, in the light of 

 evidence I am able to bring forward, it is quite justifiable to 

 assume that many of the rounded, concave, and level surfaces 

 found upon a number of the large rock-facings have been produced 

 by glacier action, although the minute features of it have long 

 since been destroyed by erosion and decomposition. 



From the discovery by me of a number of terminal moraines it 

 can no longer be doubted that during a certain period the whole 

 of the Kosciusko Plateauf was covered with ice, and that the 

 little difierences in height at present found between the valleys 

 and most of the ranges are to a great extent clue to the levelling 

 action of glaciers. 



* The block lies some distance up the south-eastern side of the "Dividing 

 Peak." 



t In the strict sense of the word this term is perhaps not applicable, but 

 I have adopted it for convenience' sake. It is a gradually rising highland, 

 with mostly gently sloping and low ranges. 



