166 CROSS A GRANITIC RANGE. [CH. II. 



camped beside them in the valley of Miindadgery, where the 

 pasturage was good. The whole country traversed this day, 

 consisted of grassy, open, forest-land. We measured at first 

 with a perambulator from the house at Buree ; but this got 

 out of order, upon which Mr. Larmer, with the chain and 

 circumferenter, continued the measurement. We took with 

 us fifteen sheep from Buree, to try whether this kind of live 

 stock was available on such expeditions. 



April 8. — While the teams were yoking, I rode forward 

 some miles to examine the country, and I found a very good 

 line for the party to ascend, precisely in the desired direction. 

 On returning, about nine o'clock, 1 put them in motion, and 

 by eleven, we reached a granite formation, the whole country, 

 previously passed, consisting of trap or limestone. The 

 granite formed the crests of a range, and where it occurred, 

 I observed a remarkable change in the vegetation, as well as 

 in the scenery, which was much improved by " pine" trees 

 (callitris pyramidalis)^ w^hose deep green contrasted beau- 

 tifully with the red and grey tinges of the granite rocks, 

 while their respective outlines were opposed to each other 

 with equally good effect. At twelve, I rode to a bold summit 

 of " herbless granite," Avhence I observed the Canobolas, 

 bearing north 122° east, and took angles on several hills. 



Following the general bearing of 60° west of north, our 

 route extended along beautiful levels and easy slopes, while 

 bold granitic peaks, clothed with " pine," rose on both sides. 

 The grass was excellent, and, even in this remote region, we 

 passed two flocks of sheep. At three o'clock we arrived at 

 the foot of a small pass, the ascent to which was rather steep ; 

 and, while the cattle were toiling upwards, I went forward 

 in search of water, but found none in the valley beyond the 

 pass. Having ascended the next ridge, I again obtained a 

 bearing on tiic Canobolas (121° east of north), and an angle 

 with the Coutombals* (85° 45). On returning, I rode down 



• For an account of Wellington Valley near the Coutombals, sec appendix 

 to tlie second voiunin. 



