THE GLACIAL PERIOD IN AUSTRALIA. 

 Plates VII. and VIII. 



By R. von Lendenfeld, Ph.D. 



Introduction. 



During a recent expedition to the central part of the Australian 

 Alps I have discovered undoubted traces of ancient glaciers, and 

 can assert accordingly that Australia also has passed through a 

 glacial period. 



Before entering into a description of my discoveries, I think it 

 my pleasant duty to express my thanks to those who materially 

 assisted me in the accomplishment of my work, by lending me 

 instruments and maps, and many other services. 



The Hon. Mr. Abbott, the Minister for Mines, supplied me with 

 railway passes, for which I am particularly indebted to him. The 

 Surveyor-General supplied me with several instruments and maps, 

 and I am also indebted to him for many practical hints drawn 

 from his own experience on the mountain. 



Mr. Wilkinson, the Government geologist, supplied me with 

 instruments and his assistant, Mr. Cullen, rendered me invaluable 

 services during the expedition ; also in other ways Mr. Wilkinson 

 aided me very much in my research. The greatest practical 

 assistance was rendered me by Mr. Betts, the district surveyor at 

 Cooma, to whose energy and chivalrous courtesy alone our advance 

 was made possible, and the diificulty of getting along the bulky 

 luggage, provisions, instruments, &c., overcome. 



Literature. 

 In literature there are a few statements regarding the ancient 

 glaciation of Australia, but they are all very vague or made by 

 people of not sufficient practical alpine experince. I shall review 

 what I have fonnd in a few words. 



