22 



HOT SPRINGS AND MUD ERUPTIONS. 



north and south course from each other, with the Flinders River 

 dividing them, and they are comprised within a line or distance 

 of eighty miles. Above Dalgonally Station, on Julia Creek, 

 some very extensive mounds are an indication of the force of the 

 pressure from below, while an open spring between it and the 

 Flinders has numerous small fish in it. A thoroughly scientific 

 description of these numerous and wonderful displays of natural 

 forces would prove very interesting and instructive. The vege- 

 tation surrounding them is peculiar, and somewhat distinct from 

 that of the plains. The locality of any of the groups of mineral 

 springs is indicated by the presence of gigantic tea-trees surround- 

 ing them, and many of the mounds present a pleasing green 

 appearance, from being covered with a sward of Fimbristylis in 

 such masses, fallen or recumbent, as to form a safe carpet, 

 yielding and soft, but dense enough to support cattle going in to 

 feed on the various grasses found there. 



In ancient days the same springs have proved a trap for too 

 confiding animals, as is proved by the fact of some bones having 

 been ejected in the mud from one of them; the bones are coloured, 

 but in a good state of preservation. 



A collection of plants made at a dry time of the year from 

 one or two of the springs near Fort Bowen afforded : — 



1. Melaleuca leucadendron, Ziww. The large tea-tree. Also 

 a smaller species of melaleuca, with hard, thin bark, and of a 

 dwarfed or stunted growth. 



2. Chenolea (or Bassia) diacantha, F. v. M. A prickly 

 "roley-poley," found in bare places in large bunches, with terrible 

 spines half an inch long and very sharp. 



3. Pennisetum compressum, Rich Brn, A grass, three feet 

 high, found all through the springs, with a large terminal 

 reddish flower. 



4. Pluchea, sp. Herb, eighteen inches high, in quanti- 

 ties round the springs. 



5. Typha augustifolia, Limi. The common rushes, with 

 cylindrical brown tops. 



6. Teucrium integrifolium, F. v. M. Herb, one foot 

 high, with small white flower, leaves opposite, lanceolate. Very 

 plentiful. 



7. Trianthema crystallina, Vahl. Herb, with short, fleshy 

 leaves and reddish stems ; grows in bare places round springs. 



8. Portulaca filifolia, F. v .M. Herb, erect, eighteen 

 inches high, branching, bright yellow flowers. Plant very 

 brittle. 



