June 2, 1902.] 
THE TROPICAL 
AGRICULTURIST. 
816 
lieve tiny have, up to the present, developed any 
fresh powers in tliafc direction. To scramble up 
amongst the thick branches of a bush, as they 
mana-e to do up a dry stone dyke in this country, 
is the full limit of their caiiability so far as my 
own observation goes. 
Let me now refer 
THE GKNEKAIi SCENERY OF THE COUNTRY. 
I fancy a stranger's conception of an 
Australian landscape would be a vista of rolling 
plains, relieved by sparse green trees of anainfuily 
uniform description. As contrasted Vi'ith thia 
country, it is quite true, (here is a monotony of 
feature and cclour. The close observer, however, 
will notice distinctions in the vegetation even of 
the western country, and more pronounced varia- 
tions from the conlignrntion and vegetation of the 
eastern. The open plains, with the curiously 
marked ridges, as if once ploughed, intersected by 
the stony volcanic open forest ridges, foim the 
characteristics of the Downs. Towards the west 
these give way to a more park-like country with 
clumps of the soft grey-green of the brigalow scrub. 
Further west still there is the cypress pine and 
mulga. Accompanying these are the gidya (which 
smells so unpleasantly before and after rain), the 
bumble orange, lavender bush, sandalwood, glosse 
box, cinnamon, and countless others. One notable 
feature about these trees and bushes in that stock 
in time of drought, when the saltbush and the 
Mitchell grass are no more, eagerly eat them. It 
is not until one goes north and reaches the central 
district that the true open country is seen, entirely 
devoid of trees. The coast, again, is very dissimilar 
and the open forest country, being better watered, 
glows timber much bigger than in the west, 
whilst on the ranges the scrub land resembles a 
dense jungle full of vines, creepers, lawyer cane, 
palms, and gigantic timber. 
THE BUNYA PINE 
I make special mention of, as it is, I believe, peculiar 
to Queensland, and even there grows only in a 
limited area. With leaves not unlike those of an 
ordinary araucaria, the stem cleans itself of 
branches, and as it grows old presents a noble 
appearance, risins' perhaps 200 feet, with its vast 
symmetrical bole-crowned by a mushroom-shaped 
top of deep green foliage. The huge heavy 
cones contain a seed or nut tiiat tastes like a 
chestnut. When ripe, natives tor hundreds of 
miles flock to the Bunya Mountains to feast 
on these seeds, and so rich is the food that 
tliey — the natives -become fat and sleek. On the 
eastern slope of the Main Range the streams and 
rivers are usually flowing with clear water, through 
wooded hills, to where the Pacific rolls cease- 
lessly on the white sands of the coast. Here the 
most striking features are the isolated peaks of 
the Glasshouse Mountains, so named by Captain 
Cook, from tiieir glossy appearance. Further 
north Mount Larconibe stands out in bold relief. 
The Barrier Keet protects the shores of Ctntral 
and Northern Queensland. Some day this will 
be recognised as an ideal yachting giound. The 
numerous uninhabited islands, ot almost every 
conceivable shape, clothed in tcrub, scented 
shrubs, and deep grass -the intricate channels 
running between, and affording splendid scope 
for the skill of the navisrator— these must 
before long compel grateful recognition 
from those in search of change and pleasure. 
Central and Northern Queensland has a coast line 
usually bold and rugged. Its dangers are only 
too evident in the many remains oJ wrecks >Yhich 
occurred before the coast was properly lighted. In 
places where the ranges recede from the shore, 
there are strips of fertile plain and sugar-growing 
counh-y. Elsewhere clear mountain streams re- 
sembling those in the Highlands of Scotland, only 
with brighter water, flow invitingly. The Whic 
Sunday, Molle antl Albany Passages are well- 
known for their beauty. Tiie deep cliannel allows 
of the steamer passing close along the 
wooded shores. Bat the Hinchinbrook Passage 
of shallower depth is the most picturesque. 
The rocky peak of the island is over 3,000 feet. 
Hisrh palms and tropical vegetation fringe the base 
to the water's edge. On the mainland, the moun- 
tains tower yet higher in a series of pinnacles. 
Mourilyan Harbour, Cairns, and Cooktown are all 
attractive, and Port Douglas is of especial charm. 
Certainly, I enjoyed nothing more than yachting 
along these shores, visiting the little-known Barrier 
Keef islands. Tliis pleasant experience I was en« 
abled to have by the consideration of the Queens- 
land Government. And now let me add a short 
notice on 
THE BIRD-LIFE OF AUSTRALIA. 
On the coast couiiUy there are to be found 
many varieties of parrots, cockatoos, the bird- 
magpies, larks, pigeons and innumerable other 
species. Nothing could be more melodious than 
tlie note of the bell-bird in the thick recesses of the 
scrub, or more curious to hear than the sharp note 
of the whip-bud— nothing prettier to see than the 
black and yellow of the regent bird, or the claret 
and black of the rifle-bird. On the western plains 
flocks of pink galas may be seen whirling in the 
air. Cockatoos, both black and white, parrots, 
doves, kingfisher.^, in addition to the larger forms 
of bird-life, are also in plenty. Ducks, plain and 
scrub turkeys, pigpor.s, quail and snipe are almost 
the only edible wild birds. 
I mention the bird-life to contradict the 
statement sometimes made that it is scarce in 
Australia; it is certainly not in Queensland. I 
might add, too, that the Queens-land scrub, I have 
been informed, is excessively rich in the number 
and variety of botanical specimens. 
Turning now to the consideration of the life of 
MANKIND 
in Queensland, I think the aboriginal popula- 
tion has lirst claim on our attention. When 
brought into contact with civilisation they 
generally deteriorate. I observed many fine types 
of robust manhood among them, especi- 
ally such as lived their natural life, un- 
contaminated by the evil influences of civilisation. 
They have groat muscular strength and activity, 
are fast runners and high jumpers. As a race, 
they are very callous to pain, In their tribal con- 
flicts the most severe wounds would be treated 
with indifference. One mode of punishment is for 
two or three men to thrust a spear through the 
body, and 1 have heard of a native walking sixty 
miles with a spear through him before he could get 
help to pull it out. Their intelligence always im- 
pressed me, as did their quickness of comprehen- 
sion. In the back blocks they usually work as 
stockmen on the runs, and one most capable and 
sutcesstul manager told me he preferred to 
employ black boys, both on account of their 
intelligence and reliability. In a mission 
school at Mapeon I was told the 
children were quite ^s intelligent as white 
children. It is apparent, therefore, that their 
infeiiority, as a people, is not so great as is usually 
represented. Perhaps, too, the iniprovemeat i« 
