154 AuDAs, The Victorian Grampians. [vor'xxtx. 



tender beauty one experiences something of a shock on 

 coming suddenly in sight of a huge human skull, standing 

 grimly weird against the sky-line. Thence, crossing a 

 depression, we pass and duly receive our christening at the 

 " Shower Bath." The water drops from this fall in the form 

 of a shower, besprinkling the path, so that pedestrians cannot 

 avoid a wetting — hence the name, " Shower Bath." We are 

 now introduced to the " Menagerie." Here a number of 

 curious-shaped rocks representing animals may be seen, 

 there being three owls, a hare, a tortoise, and a fox, squat- 

 ting in solemn sedateness, as though discussing some im- 

 portant animal enactment. Next object of attraction is the 

 " Toadstool Rock," which is eagerly climbed to secure a first 

 view of Wonderland. 



Wonderland at last. Beautiful, grim, curious, and en- 

 chanting as have been the sights on the way, infinitely greater 

 wonders await us, and we push forward with eagerness 

 through the " Silent Street." This street is formed by cliffs 

 of great height running parallel to each other, leaving but a 

 narrow space between and almost meeting overhead, so that 



" Not a setting beam could glow 

 Within the dark ravine below." 



But at noon there is ample daylight, which is necessary, as 

 progress has been rendered difficult by the action of "hood- 

 lums," who have rolled down great boulders from above, for 

 the pleasure (?), or, say, novelty, of hearing them crasli 

 below. This conduct should be stopped, as they are rapidly 

 spoiling a unique sp-ectacle. Ferns and mosses of rare beauty 

 hide shyly in the rock crevices, and many lichens and mosses 

 decorate the boulders, including the lichen Clatlirina rctipora, 

 which is locally known as " Coral Moss." 



Upon emerging from the 'Silent Street" we salute the 

 " Unicorn " and proceed to try our agility upon the " Nerve 

 Test." The latter is a narrow, arch-shaped natural bridge, 

 stretching over a cleft in the rock about 40 feet deep, and 

 one would indeed require steady nerves to cross it and return 

 safely. Up to this point a clearly defined track has been 

 followed, but the whole area hence to Wonderland Peak 

 consists solely of sandstone, and a broad arrow upon the 

 rocks furnishes guide marks to the summit. Before ascend- 

 ing we salute the " Fallen Giant," a huge mass of fallen 

 stone. Wonderland l^eak is the great pinnacle which can be 

 so plainly seen from liall's Gap. From the top a fine view 

 may be obtained, showing Stawell outlined by the blue of the 

 distant Pyrenees and laced by the silver thread of Fyans 

 Creek winding through the valley. In the opposite direction 

 glimpses of the Victoria Valley may be seen through the 

 rugged and wooded mountains. But we must not let our 



