In the lower part of the valley, small, level, alluvial flats 
occur — evidence of a brief period of still-stand when the stream 
ceased to erode and instead accumulated material. These flats 
have now been cut into once more, and the naturalist may spend 
quite an interesting time noting the character of the rocky 
boulders that form the stream's grinding tools, comparing these 
with others seen as one advances farther upstream. The boulders 
vary in coarseness and in angularity; the older ones are small 
and beautifully rounded, the younger ones ( from the river’s point 
of view) are larger and more angular. Most of the boulders 
and pebbles are quartzite, the phyllites soon wearing away. 
Passing the Fourth Bridge, we come to the Giant’s Cave, 
with the synclinal quartzite fold already mentioned. Farther 
on a steep, narrow, tributary gully comes in from the north. 
This consists of two streams ; the main one, which flows due 
west, is Lovers Creek and in its valley is the interesting area of 
Cuttygrass Swamp. The other gully runs up past the foot of the 
cliffs and is known as Steep Gully. All these valleys have well- 
graded paths along them. Looking westward from this point, 
the bastions of the Morialta Cliffs are very impressive. 
We are now not far from the First Fall. Note the difference 
of the vegetation on the southern as compared with the northern 
valley slopes, a difference due to the incidence of the sun as it 
affects the nature of the soils, of the slope, and of the moisture 
content. The yacka, casuarina, and other more xerophytic plants 
prefer the quartzites, while softer and more leafy gums, acacias, 
etc., are on the phyllites ; imported trees thrive only in the 
moist alluvial flats. 
On the left, facing the falls, is the bold quartzite buttress 
of the Eagles Nest Cliffs, and opposite these on the southern 
side, there is an almost bare hillside of cliffs and soil- 
slopes, thickly sprinkled in places by the picturesque yacka 
(Xanthorrhoea ) . At the fall itself, we have the silent beauty 
of the high-walled alcove fashioned by nature in the jointed 
quartzites ; the only natural sounds are the echoed whisperings 
of the falling water. The character and individuality of the 
falls themselves is due to the bedding and jointing of the quartzite 
beds. The improvements of paths, bridges, steps, look-outs, 
seats, and shelters fit in delightfully with these surroundings. 
Beyond and above the First Fall we may see the higher, 
shallower valley, with its parallel lichened walls of rock, contain- 
ing also the Second and the Third Falls. Here, for those who 
are young and eager, there are new worlds of natural history and 
of scenic beauty awaiting exploration. 
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