28 AuDAS, The Grampians Revisited. [vorxxxi 



double curves, due to the varying resistance of the sandstone 

 over which they flow. From this point Chatauqua Peak can 

 be ascended with ease, although it would prove a tough under- 

 taking if attempted on the other side. When the summit is 

 reached, a view rich in many respects is enhanced by the 

 beautiful Clematis Fall, which has a drop of 200 feet, and, 

 during the winter months, when the volume of water is 

 greatest, is a fine sight. 



An area which proves intensely fascinating to plant-lovers is 

 undoubtedly the " Wild Flower Garden," or what is much more 

 generally known as the " Devil's Garden." Why such an 

 unattractive name should be applied to this delightful part 

 is a puzzle which remains to be solved. It may be reached 

 by striking out in an easterly direction from Hail's Gap, and 

 contains probably more species of plants than any similar area 

 in Victoria, the one to force itself most prominently upon one's 

 notice being the beautiful White Everlasting, Hclichrysum 

 Blandowskianum, with clusters of flower-heads borne on stalks 

 of almost equal whiteness, which make it valued for wedding 

 bouquets and wreaths. If the flowers are gathered before they 

 are fully open, and dried in a cool atmosphere with their heads 

 downward, they will last for many years. All these decorative 

 qualities, however, are not sufficient to overcome the dislike 

 in which it is held by pastoralists. They complain that it is 

 injurious to stock, and it is considered cattle would be killed 

 by impaction caused by its felty texture. Another everlasting 

 flower, the Blue Tinsel Lily, Calectasia cyanea, locally called 

 the " Satin Flower," is also seen among the smaller shrubs. 

 Its blue flowers are delightfully glossy, and will last for some 

 years. Two of the Melaleucas, M. gibbosa and M. decussata, 

 were only approaching flower, but one of the Grevilleas, G. 

 parvifiora, was laden with snowy blossoms. Further along, on 

 the sloping ridges, were noticed the two colours of Gompho- 

 lobhwi Huegelii (yellow and red), while Pultencta humilis 

 formed dense matty patches. We seemed here to find a surfeit 

 of red-flowering blooms, for, besides the two last mentioned, 

 we found the dainty little shrub Dilhvynia patiila. This plant 

 bears a strong resemblance to the Eutaxias, and was described 

 by Baron von Mueller as Etttaxia patula. We found here also 

 some specimens of the curious Flying Duck Orchid, Calcana 

 major, and the " Old Man or Bearded Orchid," Calochiliis 

 Robertsoni. Alternating patches of white and yellow were 

 caused by the presence of Dillwynia fJoribuuda and D. erici- 

 folia (in various shades of yellow), with Cono$permum Mitchelli 

 and Leptospermum myrsinoides (in white) ; while further on 

 a greater variety was added to the colouring, where all forms 

 of these species seemed abundant, more particularly the red 

 Dillwynia floribunda and the ]>ink Leptospermum myrsinoides. 



