THE VICTORIAX NATURALIST. 151 



extensive volcanic plains, almost treeless, but intersected at 

 intervals with wire fences — a pretty certain sign of sheep- 

 farming. Away in the distance to the north-west the large 

 mass of Mount V/illiam, 3827 feet — the highest peak of the 

 Grampians, and of Western Victoria — was plainly seen ; and 

 stretching away from this to the south-west is the singular 

 range of mountains known as the Sierra Range, a very appro- 

 priate name, as it appears like an immense saw with irregularly 

 sized teeth. The country on the other side of the line consisted 

 of slightly undulating plains as far as the eye could see. Glen 

 Thompson passed, we soon approach close to the termination 

 of the Sierra Range, near Dunkeld, where Mounts Abrupt and 

 Sturgeon, two huge masses of sandstone, form a splendid back- 

 ground to the little township as seen from the railway. The 

 exploration of these mounts was one of the chief objects of our 

 visit to this part of the colony, but it was to be undertaken on 

 our return. Our destination was now not far off, and about a 

 quarter to five we reached Hamilton, 224 miles from town, 

 having been about ten hours on the road. 



As we approached Hamilton the magnificent character of the 

 country became more apparent, rich black or chocolate soil 

 being exposed wherever there was any cultivation, and the well- 

 grassed, undulating paddocks were greatly admired. 



Making the Victoria Hotel our head-quarters, we started off for 

 a short stroll before dinner, in order to get some idea of the town. 

 We visited the public gardens, which were fairly full of flowers, 

 the splendid soil in which they were growing making the plants 

 vigorous and strong, and giving great depth of colour to the 

 blooms. 



After tea we considered our plans for the morrow, and, with 

 the help of a friend, decided that a visit to the Wannon Falls 

 would be the most profitable way of spending our first day. 

 Accordingly we hired a pair-horse waggonette, as the Falls are 

 situated some twelve miles from the town. 



Next morning broke fine, and though heavy clouds were 

 passing over from the north-west, we hoped for good Aveather. 

 Starting out on the Coleraine Road, after ;i few miles through 

 fairly-wooded pastoral country, we took a road leading north- 

 wards towards the Wannon, in order to first visit the Nigretta 

 Falls, which some people consider finer than the falls at Redruth, 

 about three miles lower down the river. After driving a mile or 

 so across the paddocks, we came in sight of the river, winding 

 its way between rather steep banks, and presently pulled up 

 close to the falls. Here the Wannon is crossed by a porphyritic 

 dyke, which, during the lapse of ages, has been worn and cut 

 into numerous channels, making miniature islands of the masses 



