Proceedings. 169 
the sand hills; and that in a comparatively short period the sea will roll up to 
the base of the Green Hills. All along the coast where there were sandy 
beaches,—such as at the Sisters, between Rocky and Table Capes,—the sea 
had also considerably advanced, steadily undermining, the sand banks, upon 
which a dense belt of shrubs is growing, which were falling into the sea. The 
cause is not so easily traced; but I suspect it to arise from the unusual pre- 
valence of easterly winds, which now happen almost weekly. Formerly, I have 
been assured by Mr. Curr, an east wind was very rare indeed ; and, from recol- 
lection, about fourteen years ago they were less common than now, although 
then said to be more common than formerly. Can this betrue? A reference 
to the registers kept at Circular Head can alone decide ; and, if found to beso, 
a cause for it must be sought for. ‘The east beach at Circular Head is now at 
least twice as far out as it was thirteen years ago; that is, it shoals more gra- 
dually towards the jetty. 
“‘ Mineral Springs near Circular Head.—I visited these springs and brought 
away a bottle of the water. Strzelecki gives a qualitative, but not a quantita- 
tive, analysis. Itis very desirable to have this latter done, as, if it contains much 
magnesia and iron in solution, it might prove serviceable in many diseases. 
I believe the soil that surrounds the springs to contain much magnesia, as 
well as a good deal of lime. A sort of travertine is formed by the waters 
which is burnt for lime, but the quantity of iron givesit a rusty colour. Pray 
let me know if the analysis could be made, as I would beg to have it welldone, 
or not have it done at all. A small kind of Bulimus (or perhaps Succinea?) 
was abundant on the banks of the pools, which in some instances effervesced 
violently. 
‘* New Localities of Rare Plants —The only locality in Van Diemen’s Land 
where I had ever found Acacia linearis var. Tasmanica was at Circular Head, 
covering a few yards of ground behind the lagoon, parallel to the east beach. 
On searching for this, to me, rarest plant in Van Diemen’s Land, I found the 
ground had been cleared and the Acacia eradicated. 1 was very much pleased, 
therefore, to find it again between the River Blyth and Sulphur Creek, on the 
north coast, scattered over an acre or so of ground close to the sea. Itis a 
New Holland species, seems very tender, and I could detect no indications of 
fruit. ‘The Phyllodia are very narrow, and 9 to 12 inches long. 
“IT also found the Hymenanthera angustifolia, growing on the shingly 
beach, a short distance westward of Sulphur Creek, a most unusual locality 
for this plant, whose head-quarters are on the rich flats of the North Esk 
River, near Launceston. It also occurs sparingly on the mountains, clinging 
to the face of rocks and large stones, 
“ Port Phillip Flying Squirrels. — A family of these animals were obtained from 
@ peppermint tree on Dalrymple’s land, on the South Esk, about 15th October, 
1851, about three miles from Launceston. There are six adults—two got 
away ; but the four obtained were females, each with one young one. The 
young considerably advanced in the living specimen I obtained, and which I 
ce) 
