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fallen fronds not more conspicuous. The other tree ferns in 

 the same neighbourhood also attained a height of about 6 feet 

 only, so that no criterion of the average or extreme height 

 of this AlsopMla can be obtained from this specimen. The 

 situation was not high, (probably 150 feet, or so, above sea 

 level), and just at the foot of a low ridge or spur extending 

 easterly from Adamson's Peak, and from which several small 

 streams run to join the Creekton Kivulet. A short account 

 of my trip will possibly best explain the locality, and the 

 reason why I did not search to ascertain if there were any 

 more specimens near. 



I started from Port Esperance on the 15th of March last, 

 with one companion, Frank McPartlan (well known as a good 

 " l)ushman ") and, passing Andrewartha's mill, followed the 

 Southport road for about three miles beyond the bridge, 

 until, at a small plain recently burnt, the peak was almost 

 West. We then steered for it by pocket-compass, deviating 

 occasionally as a spur or other natural feature promised 

 more easy walking. 



The first piece being burnt, was easy enough for about 

 quarter of a mile ; then a short piece of Bauera scrub, under 

 trees, brought us to the Creekton Eivulet, which we crossed ; 

 and pushing through or rather over, some very tall Bauera, 

 we reached a long plain clear of large timber. The first 

 hundred yards was over heath and button-grass, a relief after 

 the Bauera, but the remainder (half a mile at least) was a 

 dense mass of tea-tree and very tall cutting-grass, with blind 

 creeks and hidden spars under foot, the pleasantness of 

 which can be imagined. After crossing this we entered 

 timbered country, which continued all the way. The creek 

 were I found this fern was just within the timber. The trees 

 are principally stringy-bark, with sassafras, blackwood, &c., 

 and the most frequent under-growth is either Bauera, or 

 else the fern Lomaria procera, with plenty of dead timber and 

 fallen logs. 



After being detained a couple of days by rain at this creek, 

 we took into consideration the nature of the country and 

 vegetation, the weather, and the heavy loads we carried in 

 anticipation of a more extended trip beyond the Peak, and 

 determined to mark a track by which we could return quickly. 

 Our system was to start unimpeded in the morning, and cut 

 and break down the under- wood for about six hours, then to 

 return and bring the knapsacks, tent, <fec., to the farthest 

 spot along the route suitable for camping. We had but 

 one tomahawk, which McPartlan carried, while I used hands 

 and pocket-knife on the smaller obstacles; and when bo 

 employed laid hold of this fern. 



