1 64 THE NATURALIST IN AUSTRALIA. 



Another fascinating Order is the Proteacea. Geologically these 

 rank as the oldest of true flowering plants, and occur in the 

 lower rocks of the secondary period. (See diagram.} 



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The ferns of Australia are mostly well-known in England ; but 

 here one can form no idea of the true effect of tree-ferns in their 

 native glens and gorges, where the Cyathcas, Alsophilas, and 

 Dixonias form majestic groves, their heads towering to a height 

 of sometimes 30 or even 40 feet above dense thickets of smaller 

 kinds. 



