274 RETURN FROM THE MOUNTAIN. 



two thousand feet from its base, and upwards of 

 three thousand feet above the level of the sea. 

 The quantity of moths which may be collected 

 from one of the granite groups, it is calculated 

 would amount to at least five or six bushels. 

 The largest specimen I obtained measured seven- 

 eighths of an inch with the wings closed, the 

 length of the oily body being five-eighths of an 

 inch, and of proportionate circumference ; the 

 expanded wings measured one inch and three 

 quarters across ; tlie colour of the wings dark 

 brown, with two black ocellated spots upon the 

 upper ones ; the body filled with yellow oil, 

 and covered with down.* 



We returned by nearly the same route we 

 came : the descent was however much more 

 tedious than the ascent ; but after slipping over 

 stones, stumbling over innumerable logs that 

 strewed the path, and a few other trifling mis- 

 haps, we rejoined our horses, and arrived at the 

 station in the evening. 



* When the natives about the Murrumbidgee river heard, 

 on my return, that I had visited the " Bugong Mountain," 

 they expressed great delight, and wished to see what I had 

 collected. On showing them the few insects I had, they 

 recognized them instantly; but I thought there was a feeling 

 of disappointment at their curiosity only, not appetites, being 

 gratified by my little -entomological collection. 



