'^^^••1 AuDAS, TAe Victorian Grampians. 153 



Stony Creek and Venus' Bath, and a beautiful succession 

 of falls known as Cherry-tree Falls, winding- down the hills 

 towards Alackay Peak, may be seen. A very singular appear- 

 ance, accentuated by its densely wooded surroundings, is 

 presented by Signal Peak, which stands barren and furrowed 

 as though torn by some giant plough. 



Hereabouts occurs a geological formation which is very 

 singular. An outcrop of sandstone with dykes of porphyry 

 protruding through it may be seen, then the formation is 

 composed by alternating' areas of both stones, the join being 

 plainly discernible. From an excavation in the sandstone 

 interesting souvenirs of the locality may be secured. These 

 are pieces of the stone with dendritic markings upon them. 

 Many are very beautiful, the designs of ferns and grasses 

 being very clearly imprinted. A little to the left is " Look- 

 out Rock," a curious mushroom formation which points out 

 the direction to the " Grand Canyon," but before it can be 

 reached it is necessary to cross the Stony Creek on a rough 

 log bridge. The canyon itself is formed by walls of sandstone 

 about 300 feet high, with many curious natural carvings in 

 the shape of pagodas upon them. Its termination has been 

 made rather abrupt by a huge fall of the rock, over which 

 flows a beautiful waterfall known as the " Bridal Veil." 



After pausing long in adnnration, one begins the ascent 

 to the top of the canyon by a pathway up the rocks along 

 which iron spikes have been driven into the sandstone to 

 assist climbers, and emerges at what might be considered 

 a dangerous point, almost within the jaws of the "Whale's 

 Mouth." This phenomenal mass of sandstone, shaped by 

 the action of water in past ages, presents a perfect resem- 

 blance to that great animal. Soon after leaving his gigantic 

 majesty, the curious formation known as the "Towers of 

 Time" may be seen. Near at hand is the "Cooling Cham- 

 ber," a large cave about 80 feet long by 30 broad, formed 

 mainly by a large overhanging mass of sandstone, and, as 

 may he inferred from the name, its atmosphere is always 

 cool. Pven upon the hottest day one n.ay always find 

 therein a cool retreat. The further end, formed in tunnel 

 shape in the rocks, does not receive any sunlight, and 

 artificial light is needed to explore its depths. Sandstone 

 cliffs shooting up abruptly, with unbroken perpendicular 

 walls of great height, and reminding one of some immense 

 military barracks, extend from this point for about a quarter 

 of a mile. At their base, in beautiful confusion, grew many 

 native plants. The curious-shaped flowers of Grcvillca alpitia 

 were almost hidden from view by the orange, bell-shaped 

 blooms of that pretty little climber Mariaiitlius biij;noniacctts, 

 and the air was rendered fragrant with the perfume of 

 Acacia myrtifolia, Myrtle Acacia. Soon after admiring their 



