140 Excursion to the Western Range. 
luxuriant, and the trees larger, than is generally the case, 
except at certain spots; many of the trees ( Eucalypti) 
measuring from 9 to 10 feet through. One that we 
measured near Mr. Foote’s was 37 feet in girth, and 180 
feet high. The Eucalyptus , however, has been known to 
attain the height of 300 feet, and a circumference of 
seventy-two feet. I measured one myself on the southern 
side of the Island 63 feet in girth. 
The caves, and country around, are in the Sub-Police 
District of Westbury; and as much rain falls in this tract, 
turnips and other crops are not so liable to fail as else¬ 
where. Turnips have been grown of the enormous weight 
of eighty-three pounds, on a farm in this district. 
From Calstock to Westbury, the township where the 
Police Station is, and standing on a rivulet called 
Quamby’s Creek, there is much in the scenery to 
interest the traveller; but from thence to Launceston, 
about 17 miles, the route leads through much sombre 
forest, with occasional farms, the best houses being those 
of Mr. Dry and Mr. Reibey. When, however, this tract 
becomes more open, and the forest yields to cultivation, it 
will assume a very different appearance. The trees are 
several species of Eucalyptus , with the Acacia, and some 
others, the forest being in some parts rather dense. 
On the Western Range there is a species of the 
Eucalyptus called the cider tree. The shepherds and 
stock-keepers who tend the flocks and herds on that 
elevated region are in the habit of making deep incisions 
wherever an exudation of the sap is perceived upon the 
bark. The holes are made in such a manner as to retain 
the sap that flows into them, and large enough to hold a 
pint. Each tree yields from half a pint to a pint daily 
during December and January; but the quantity lessens 
in February, and soon after ceases. 
