158 Excursion lo the Dee Valley and Ben Cairn [vd?xxxii. 



still fell at intervals, we determined to try and reach the top, 

 3,400 feet above sea-level, so made an early start. Crossing 

 the Yarra by the bridge near the spot where the Dee adds its 

 contribution to the main stream, we followed up the Dee for 

 a short distance, then, striking westerly, followed a tram track 

 for about two miles, when a marked track was followed to the 

 top. About half a mile up the tram track the new O'Shannassy 

 aqueduct was crossed. From there on we passed through, 

 and sometimes above, magnificent fern gullies. One very fine 

 one contained many splendid specimens of the Myrtle Beech, 

 Notofagus (Fagus) Citnninghami, which alone were worth the 

 climb. The track then became very steep, and before reaching 

 the top half a mile or so of the Christmas-bush, Prostanthe)\i 

 lasianthos, in full bloom, was traversed, which, though slightly 

 past its best, was exceedingly beautiful. Here the rasping 

 cry of the Gang-Gang Cockatoo was heard, and on reaching 

 the top many of the birds were seen, their red heads rendering 

 them conspicuous. By this time the rain had cleared off, and. 

 except towards Donna Buang, the splendid view was unspoiled. 

 lo the east the Baw Baws were sharply defined. Mounts Baw 

 Baw, Mueller, and Erica being easily picked out. with another 

 range showing up behind them. The Yarra valley could be 

 traced for miles, while the townships of Millgrove, Warburton, 

 and Yarra Junction lay spread out below us. Here we missed 

 the topographical knowledge of our intended leader in naming 

 the various ranges in view. It would he a distinct advantage 

 to tourists visiting this rock, which is undoubtedly the finesl 

 view-point in the district, il a direction plate, similar to that 

 on Flinders Peak, at the You Yangs, were provided for their 

 information. Few flowers beyond those mentioned were 

 noticed, the season being well advanced. A number of birds 

 were noted, among which tin- following may he mentioned:— 

 Brown Hawk. Gang-Gang Cockatoo, Sacred Kingfisher, Kooka- 

 burra, Blue Wren, Flame-breasted Robin, Yellow Robin, White- 

 browed Wood-Swallow, Pennant's Parrakeet, Rosella Parrot, 

 Pallid Cuckoo, and Black-and-white Fantail. Gertrude 



M. T. Nil H I EM OTE. 



K woakoos. That von ng Victorians have considerable diffi- 

 culty in seeing kangaroos in a wild state seems contrary, at any 

 iate. to the prevailing conclusions of people in the old country, 

 In recenl "Note-, for Boys," in the Argus, a corresponded 

 reports seeing in January hall a dozen full-grown kangaroos 

 aboul z\ mil. '.• I ..! Wall. in Furthei atield correspondents 

 report kangaroos between Outtrimand Inverloch, Upper Maffra, 



and Yai ram. 



