BY SYDNKY B. J. SKERTCHLY. XUl 



the north by rugged granitic country, and to the south by 

 gnarled schists and contorted gneiss, with intercalated granites. 



The Chillagoe region is pre-eminently that of argentiferous 

 copper, while the schist series, carries in addition argentiferous 

 galena, gold, and tin. 



The township of Mungana has grown up around the Girofla 

 and Gi'iffith mines, and is the furthest west : though 20 miles 

 further on a still newer township, started as Bedford, continued 

 as Klondyke, and finally christened Arbouine, has come into ex- 

 istence within the past few months. 



This more western region is undoubtedly hot, and even in 

 winter the days does not demand greatcoats, though blanket^, are 

 very welcome at night. The one plague, and it is no slight one, 

 is the fourth plague of Egypt— flies. Eamsees II. would not 

 have detained the Israelites ten minutes if his seat had been at 

 Mungana instead of Zoan. 



In the rainy season the creeks are sometimes impassable for 

 a few days, owing to the entire absence of bridges ; but this is 

 only what can bo said of every newly-opened country. 



2. rlasxijh-iitini, nf Driumts. — The classification I shall 

 adopt differs from that we adopted on the Geological Survey of 

 Queensland in some important particulars, because detailed 

 observation has enabled me to correct some points, and to divide 

 certain deposits which have, of necessity, been grouped together. 

 This must always l)e the case in a new colony like ours, and 

 reflects no discredit on my predecessors ; indeed I hope to im- 

 prove on my own scheme hereafter, and shall be glad of any 

 facts which will enal)k' me to do so. The formations are as 

 follows, the newest being at the top : — 



(1.) AUuriuni mid (intrcls of Modern Iliivrs. — Carrying 

 stream tin, carbonate of l>ismuth, and gold in places. 



Age ; J^ost-ti/rtiini/. 



(2.) Fxisalt. — Chiefly confined to the plateau between 

 INIareeba and Atherton, and to the district west and south of 

 Herberton. Of no commercial interest except as covering up 

 deep-leads or other mineral-bearing deposits. 



Age. Plion'lic. 



(3.) Dcfji Laid.s find other Old Hirer (t rarcl,'^ — Gravels, sands, 

 and loams ; in places, as at Nigger Creek, Herberton, partly 



