25 



the upper part, and the smaller limbs and branches, are quite 

 smooth, whence its popular name. The timber is highly 

 prized by splitters, and for general purposes it is described by 

 many competent authorities as second only to the Blue Gum, 

 though o^^inions seem to differ as to its durability. It is 

 found in most parts of the Colony, and appears to grow as 

 freely on the table land of the interior, reaching an altitude 

 of not less than 3,000ft. above the sea, as along the coast line. 

 The description of Eucalyptus hsemastoma in Bentham's 

 Flora does not in all respects agree with the character of 

 the tree as known in Tasmania, but the description will pro- 

 bably be revised by Baron Von Mueller. 



AURIFEEOUS COUNTEY AND GOLD-BEARINa 



EOCKS. 



By Charles E. Barnard, M.B., F.L.S. 



[Mead lOth May, 1881.] 



The subject of my paper is one that cannot fail to prove of 

 interest to this Society, seeing the great importance the gold- 

 mining industry is assuming, and has already assumed, in the 

 colony of Tasmania. 



The advantages to be gained by fostering this industry in the 

 colony need scarcely be dilated upon by me, as they are so patent 

 to any one who will take the trouble to examine into the causes 

 of the vast progress the Eastern colonies of Australia have 

 made during the past quarter century. The numerous large 

 towns and villages that dot this portion of the continent — 

 the majority of them founded upon, or connected in some way 

 with, the discovery of gold in their immediate neighbour- 

 hood — speak for themselves ; and the immense impetus to 

 trade, commerce, and immigration which it brings about 

 shows what mining will do for a country, hitherto in a state 

 of almost primeval solitude. But for this source of wealth, 

 the major portion of these colonies would still have remained 

 in a " state of nature " — one huge sheep run, with but a 

 sparse population and scattered country villages. 



With the magic touch of gold, all is changed. Everywhere 

 over the land the busy miner is found digging and delving, 

 and bringing to light the vast stores of hidden wealth. He is 

 the pioneer of civilisation. In the solitudes of mountain and 

 forest he seeks the precious metal, and should Dame Fortune 

 reward his eager search by placing in his reach thelong-sought- 

 for golden treasure, the scene at once changes. Soon there 

 springs up, as if by enchantment, first a village, which then 



