exceptions, are topped with large blocks of ferruginous sandstone, irregularly cast about, and are covered with a thick scrub, laced and woven together with a variety of vines and climbers, while the small valleys intervening bear a strong growth of tall grass, through which numerous creeping plants twine in all directions, some of them bearing beautiful flowers.  Among them I may particularise two species of ‘Ipomea’, which I believe to be undescribed, and a vine-like plant, bearing clusters of fruit much resembling in appearance black Hambro Grapes, wholesome and pleasant to the taste.  The scrubs are formed of an immense variety of trees and shrubs, far too numerous for me toname, were I able to do so.  Some of them have fine foliage, and bear handsome flowers and agreeably tasted fruit, and would form most ornamental additions to our southern gardens and pleasure grounds.  Several species of the numerous climbing plants produce a fine and strong fibre, from which the natives make their fishing lines.  Some fine varieties of palm are found on the moister lands near the creeks, two especially elegant, a ‘Seaforthia’ and a ‘Caryota’.  A wild banana, with small but good fruit, is also found in such localities.  On the open grounds the bloodwood, Moreton Bay ash, and a strong growing acacia are the principal trees.  Timber for building is scarce, and of very indifferent quality.  The iron-bark and pine are unknown here.

5.  The soil on these grounds is a reddish loam, more or less sandy, and thinly covered with a coarse ironstone gravel.  Much of the ironstone has a strong magnetic property—­so much so as to suspend a needle; and it was found a great inconvenience by Mr. Surveyor Wilson, from its action on the instruments.  As the land descends, the soil becomes more sandy.  Near the creek patches with a considerable mixture of vegetable loam are found, which would be suitable for the growth of vegetables, bananas, etc.  The grass is generally long and coarse, and soon after the rainy season ceases becomes, under the influence of the strong south-east winds, withered and dry.  Horses and cattle keep their condition fairly, but sheep do not thrive; the country is quite unsuited to them.  Goats may be kept with advantage; and pigs find an abundant supply of food in the scrubs and swamps.

6.  In the Zoology of the district, the careful researches of Mr. M’Gillivray—­the naturalist attached to H.M.’s surveying ship Rattlesnake—­have left little room for the discovery of many positive novelties.  I have, however, been able to note many interesting facts in the economy and habits of the birds, especially such as relate to their migration.  Several of the species found here are season visitors of New South Wales, and it is interesting to compare the times of their arrival and departure in this place with those in the southern colony.

7.  The animals afford small variety.  The dingo, or native dog, four species of the smaller kangaroos, and two other marsupials are found.  One, an elegant little squirrel-like opossum, striped lengthways with black and white, I believe to be new.