SUBURBS OF BALLARAT . 
155 
of these waves of fire and smoking floods are epics 
of the grandest order. And now, after long ages, 
in these calm and settled days, when our earth 
is unshaken by the war of the fierce elements, she 
holds these rich treasures in her bosom, and we probe 
our way through the thick rocks and recover from 
the beds of these ancient streams the precious metal 
hidden there, perhaps, when the first great fiat went 
forth, and the waters were parted from the land, and 
out of chaos a new planet sprung into being, at the 
command of God. * * * 
After returning to the city from my mining ex- 
cursion, I called on Mr. Bardwell, with whom I drove 
round the suburbs, visiting Buninyong, a mining 
and agricultural district containing 1981 inhabitants, 
and passing through Sebastopol, a mining village 
containing some 6000 inhabitants, where in all direc- 
tions are to be seen evidences of the past — numberless 
mounds and deserted claims, now being reworked by 
persevering Chinese, who succeed occasionally in 
obtaining a few ounces of gold from amongst the 
debris. Driving back, we passed through the new 
Public Gardens, and on reaching the city, I left by 
the 7.15 train for Melbourne, arriving there after a. 
four hours’ run, and then by rail to Sandridge. 
During our stay various entertainments were 
arranged for the benefit of the “ Challengers.” 
Eventually it was with great regret we found that 
we must be on the move again. 
