Vol. XV. "j White, Trip to Northent End of Flinders Ranges. ^57 



in addition to the pine and red gum, some of the more rounded 

 hills were covered in porcupine-bush [Triodia). This prickly 

 ])lant is more often, and incorrectly, called " spinifex." Grass- 

 trees {Xanthorrh(va) were met with in isolated colonies. Mrs. 

 Rogers, one of our botanists, collected some orchids in this 

 locality, but Dr. Rogers (the renowned authority on this family 

 of plants) identified the species as being found elsewhere. A few 

 species of the acacia family and some salsolaceous plants, with a 

 few species of grasses (some indigenous, others introduced), made 

 up the flora of the district. 



At an early hour on i8th October a start was made for the rail- 

 way line. The party travelled in two four-horse conveyances. 

 The horses started off at a rattling pace. The morning was bright 

 and clear ; the scenery through the ranges was very fine. Moun- 

 tainous country opened out before us, till the furthest peaks were 

 lost in the blue mist of the distance. Many acacias were in full 

 bloom, and the yellow masses enlivened the landscape. As soon 

 as we left the ranges and drove out upon the plains dust and sand 

 rose around us in a cloud. When we entered Parachilna railway 

 station it was quieter than I had ever seen it, although some 

 railway people said the usual dust storm had been raging at 

 7.30 a.m. that day. The sand is always shifting around the 

 station, and if anything, such as a vehicle, is not used for a day or so 

 it has to be dug out. Having bade farewell to our kind host and 

 hostess, we boarded our reserved carriage, and as we moved off 

 three ringing cheers were given for the owners of Moolooloo. The 

 journey to Quorn was not pleasant, for dust enveloped everything. 

 The next day's journey was more enjoyable, for our eyes could 

 feast on waving fields of corn, becoming golden in the head, and 

 in many places the binders were at work. Towards evening the 

 sweet scent of new-mown hay was wafted through the open 

 carriage windows. These scenes of plenty continued almost to 

 the city. 



The trip was most enjoyable and profitable, and much material 

 in many branches of science was collected. The ornithology of 

 the ranges was interesting, and a new bird was discovered. The 

 list of birds identified should be of more than passing interest, for 

 it is the first made in that locality, in a range which finds its way 

 for a considerable distance into the dry interior, thus enabling 

 coastal forms to mingle with the interior ones. A fair number of 

 insects was taken, many being new to science. The botany was 

 varied, and some good collections were made, which are not yet 

 worked out. Geologists and photographers put in some sound 

 work, and are now busily studying material secured. 



Too much praise cannot be given Mr. and Mrs. Lindo for having 

 afforded scientific research such a helping hand. 



Following is a list of the birds identified at Moolooloo. The 

 nomenclature is according to G. M. Mathews, " A List of the 

 Birds of Australia," 1913 ; the name in parentheses is that of the 

 " Official Check-list." 



