Feb., 1909.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 157 



That on the east is still in its natural condition, overgrown with 

 Polygonum and large gums, whilst that on the west nourished 

 a heavy crop of oats. At one time these depressions were 

 invariably filled with water, and were favourite resorts for wild- 

 fowl. Some years ago, when both swamps were filled to their 

 utmost capacity, a large circular hole suddenly formed in the road- 

 way. Into this aperture the water from the western swamp 

 quickly drained, making in its transit to the subterranean channel 

 a loud, rushing sound. Since then no water has collected in the 

 depression, which, as previously stated, is now under cultivation. 

 The exact site of this area of subsidence may still be determined. 

 In the eastern swamp a deep circular hole may be seen, which 

 would appear to show that a precisely similar occurrence happened 

 there, with like results. The formation is volcanic, and what is 

 undoubtedly a large extinct crater is situated at no great distance. 

 From a well sunk in the neighbourhood clear, sparkling water is 

 obtained, but it is far too saline for stock or for irrigation 

 purposes. 



Mr. Green, at whose residence we rested for several hours, 

 kindly drove us to the Parwan station, where twenty minutes' 

 shivering disquietude were passed before our train arrived. 



Despite occasional showers and the prevailing boisterousness 

 of the wind, the trip, though not so extensive as we had at first 

 contemplated, was, on the whole, an enjoyable and an interesting 

 one, and if the country traversed presented no striking physical 

 features, or the vegetation it nourished failed to compare in 

 variety and luxuriance with that to be met with in less remote 

 spots, there was nevertheless some latent charm about it which 

 gratified our natural instincts and afi"orded us the liveliest interest 

 while wandering through its solitary wastes. 



The following list of the birds noted during the trip may be 

 useful for reference, and numbers fifty-nine species : — 



Blue Wren 

 Black Duck 

 Black-faced Graucalus 

 Black-throated Grebe 

 White-fronted Heron 

 Wood-Duck 



White-breasted Cormorant 

 Nankeen Kestrel 

 Brown Hawk 

 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 

 Crimson Lory 

 Rosehill Parrakeet 

 Brown Kingfisher 

 Fan-tailed Cuckoo 

 Pallid Cuckoo 

 Narrow-billed Cuckoo 



Black-and- White Swallow 

 House-Swallow 

 Wood-Swallow 

 Brown Flycatcher 

 White-shafted Flycatcher 

 Black-and-White Flycatcher 

 Restless Flycatcher 

 Spotted Ground-bird 

 VVhite-browed Babbler 

 White-fronted Chat 

 Reed- Warbler 

 Striated Tit 

 Yellow-rumped Tit 

 White-fronted Scrub-Wren 

 Harmonious Thrush 

 Magpie-Lark 



