MOTHS. 267 



upon another, and situated on the verge of a 

 wooded precipice, excited our attention. An 

 extensive and romantic view was here ob- 

 tained of a distant, wooded, mountainous coun- 

 try. 



This was the first place where, upon the smooth 

 sides or crevices of the granite blocks, the Bu- 

 gong moths congregated in such incredible mul- 

 titudes ; but from the blacks having recently been 

 here, we found but few of the insects remaining.* 

 At one part of this group of granite rocks were 

 two pools, apparently hollowed naturally from the 

 solid stone, and filled with cool and clear water ; 

 so, lighting a fire, we enjoyed a cup of tea pre- 

 vious to re-commencing our further ascent. 

 On proceeding, we found the rise more gradual, 

 but unpleasant from the number of loose stones 

 and branches of trees strewed about : several of 

 the deserted bark huts of the natives (which 

 they had temporarily erected when engaged in 

 collecting and preparing the Bugong) were 

 scattered around. Shrubs and plants were nu- 



* Mr. Hamilton Hume informed me that the Bugong is 

 found also by the aborigines inhabiting the country about the 

 Snow Mountains, to the southward ; forming their principal 

 food during the summer. These insects are said to ascend 

 from the lowland to the more elevated spots, only during the 

 summer season. 



