38 Voyage of the Novara, 



tree-ferns and gigantic gum trees, enveloped in the folds of 

 the Liana, from which in its turn depended exquisite para- 

 sitic plants, reminded us of the brilliant profusion of the 

 tropics. Not less peculiar and uncommon than the vegetation 

 were the sounds that struck our ear from amid the semi-ob- 

 scm-e green covert, without our eyes being able to distinguish 

 the singers. And so deceptive are some of these, that one 

 almost involuntarily starts as the loud crack resounds close to 

 his ear of the Phsophodes crepitans, known to colonists as the 

 ^' Coachman's whip," or the Myzantlm Garrula, or bell-bird, 

 sounds its bell-like note. 



During our stroll we came upon several farms, plain wooden 

 huts covered with the glutinous bark of the gum tree, whose 

 impoverished exterior gave little promise of the comfort to be 

 found within, and pleasantest of all was the ready and heart- 

 felt hospitality. Hardly had we set our foot within a hut, ere 

 all the members of the family bestirred themselves to bring 

 milk and butter, eggs and bread, of which they pressed us 

 to partake. In each we visited there was no lack of beautiful 

 china, elegantly carved wine glasses, and Sheffield table cut- 

 lery, while the walls were decorated with elegant engravings 

 and wood-cuts. The bread was usually the national institu- 

 tion, known as " Damper," which is simply some meal and 

 water well mixed and heated in warm ashes. It is very palat- 

 able, and besides the simplicity of its preparation, the meal 

 well kneaded being baked for an hour as aforesaid, it pos- 



