THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 71 



gigas, Superb Warbler (JIalurus cyaneus), and Coach Whip Bird 

 <( Psophudes crepitans). 



Monday, iith, was chiefly devoted to a visit to what are 

 locally known as the Franklin Falls, some four or five miles from 

 Toora. A good stiff uphill walk most of the way had to be 

 accomplished. On the way I stopped at the dairy of Mr. 

 Richards, on whose property the falls are situated. In conversa- 

 tion with Mr. Richards I learned that he turns out some 750 lbs. 

 of butter per week, from about 150 head of cattle, but has 

 accommodation for at least as many more. Appliances for bacon- 

 curing were also being added, capable of dealing with 100 car- 

 casses at a time. The whole work is carried out by steam power. 

 Leaving there I descended at once into the huge valley created 

 by the Franklin. 



On the opposite side of the river, a little lower down, is 

 situated the residence of a selector who owns some 1,800 acres 

 of very good pasture land. Following down the stream, the valley 

 becomes more confined, and the banks of the river more steep 

 and covered with tree ferns, principally Alsophilas. 



Returning to Toora at about 2 o'clock, I considered it a pity 

 to lose the remainder of a beautiful afternoon, but I was not a 

 little perplexed how to change plates, when the idea of the empty 

 iron tank at the railway station was suggested. Into this I 

 scrambled, closing the heavy iron lid after me, but found it still 

 admitted a lot of light ; however, I managed to fumble 

 through, and shortly afterwards emerged almost as moist 

 as if the tank had been full of water ; the sun was beaming full 

 on the tank all day, and the heat must have been about 120 at 

 least. The remainder of the afternoon was spent in visiting the 

 Agnes Falls, on the Agnes River. I went by way of Anderson's 

 tram line as far as it is laid, and thence in an easterly direction 

 across the country. Arriving at the falls about 5.30 p.m., I found 

 it necessary to set to work at once, as sunset was fast approach- 

 ing. Taking up a position on the top of the bank, and looking 

 down on the falls, more or less, a view was secured ; but 

 I was dissatisfied with it, and after a good deal of hard work 

 succeeded in reaching the bottom of the gorge and obtaining 

 another view of this very pretty waterfall. I am indebted to 

 some members of the family of Mr. Silcox, on whose property 

 the fall is situated, for their kindness in accompanying me to the 

 place, and thus saving me considerable trouble in finding it. 

 Another moonlight walk through the forest, the silence of which 

 is only broken by the native bears uttering their peculiar grunts, 

 brought me back to Toora, after having performed about 25 miles' 

 walking through pretty hilly country during the day. 



Tuesday, 12TH. — This morning was ushered in by a 

 smart drizzling rain falling, which bid fair to continue all day, 



