625 
After describing the course of the Flinders, Mr. Palmer continues : — 
“ The only elevations are Mount Browne, in about 20° soiith latitude, a low 
stony rise of ironstone and granite, rising from the plain, and about a mile from the 
river on the right side, and Fort Bowen, twenty miles west, similarly situated with 
regard to the river, and rising also abruptly from the open plains. These are the 
only rises of any consequence near the river, and at both of these small mountains 
numbers of springs and mounds of erupted mud, coated with a whitish crust of soda, 
lie scattered about, with stumps of large tea-tree and reeds, and pools of discoloured 
water throughout ; while at Mount Browne occur two hot springs on the south side 
with a temperature of 120° Fahrenheit at the surface. The water stands in a large 
basin on a mound raised many feet above the level of the plain, and covered with 
gigantic tea-trees (Melaleuca leucadendrori), amongst the matted roots of which the 
hot water streams in clear, shining, crystal pools. The basin, or cavity, is fathomless, 
while the roots and branches lying in it are coated with a soft, green vegetable 
matter with air-bubbles attached, small bubbles of carbonic acid innumerable, which 
are continually rising to the surface. The water is too hot to bear the hand in for 
any length of time ; but when cooled is good for use, and always bright and clear 
and free from any taste, while that in the adjoining cold springs is extremely dis- 
agreeable. No change has been observed in the hot springs in level er temperature 
since 1865, when a cattle station was settled there by Mr. James G-ibson.* The ground 
round all these springs is treacherous, is hollow, shakes to the tread, and feels like a 
huge blister, merely covered with a skin of soil, held together by roots and rushes, over 
which one can walk. At times the pressure from below forces the thin crust uj)wards, 
and a flow of this brown liquid mud spreads about, sometimes in great quantities. In 
one of the springs at Mount Browne, flakes of granite are forced up and lie on the 
surface. It seems as if a connection existed dowm by the side of the mountain to subter- 
ranean regions, whence the hot water flows, and is kept at one constant level and 
temperature. Most of the mud springs have formed large mounds, or cones, by constant 
overflow, and the w'ater now stands at the top, while the surrounding parts are spongy, 
and liable to break through when stock comes near them ; at others lagoons are formed, 
and kept at a uniform level by the flow of water. The occurrence of these hot and cold 
mineral springs suggests the possibility of obtaining supplies of water on the artesian 
principle over some portion at least of these e.xtensive plains. Some mud springs, as 
they are called, opened at Manfred by a small shaft at the side, produced a permanent 
flow of good water. 
“Fresh ground keeps continually breaking up, or is forced up, while old cones 
are sometimes falling in, forming hollows half-full of reddish water, strong as lye, and 
quite undrinkable. None of the springs are isolated, but confined to the vicinity of 
one or other of the half-dozen groups which compose the collection on the Lower 
Flinders. The direction of these groups is in a north and south course from each 
other, with the Flinders Fiver dividing them, and they are comprised within a line or 
distance of eighty miles. Above Balgonally 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 vegetation 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 ti-trees surrounding them, and many 
* I think there can be no doubt that this refers to the same Spring as that referred to by Mr. 
Daintree. ifi.L.J.) 
2 Q 
