Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 2.djvu/441

Rh in England. The road winds through the forest for many miles, flanked on either side by the lofty sombre-looking Eucalyptus and the Acacia, the predominant forms of Australian vegetation, forming narrow vistas, across which flocks of miners (Myzantha garrula), parrakeets, and magpies were frequently flitting. On emerging from the forest, a fine sylvan country extends to Perth; greenstone rocks prevailing, and of which the bridge over the South Esk is built. Launceston, one hundred and twenty-four miles from Hobart Town, with Cocked-hat Hill in front, appears skirting the side of a valley, over which a volume of white mist was suspended, half enveloping the town; a frequent occurrence here, from the peculiar locality of the place, situated at the confluence of the two Esk rivers, amidst marshy land. From Launceston I proceeded in a boat down the Tamar to George Town, a distance of forty-two miles. This river, formed by the junction of the North and South Esks, makes a narrow curve in its first reach from Launceston, afterwards expanding and contracting its stream from two miles to a quarter of a mile in breadth. At Whirlpool Reach it is very much narrower, with a strong eddy setting round a ledge of rocks in the centre of the stream. The water is fresh as far as Fresh-water Point, eight miles below Launceston.

Several small bays and islets occur in its course. The Tamar is altogether a far inferior river to the Derwent. The range of hills on either side, scarcely exceeding an altitude of four or five hundred feet, and clothed with sombre woods to their summits, presenting a most monotonous outline. Mount Royal Signal Station, on the eastern bank, about midway between Launceston and George Town, has a striking resemblance to Mount Direction, near Risdon on the Derwent. On the west bank is an argillaceous schist formation, in nearly a vertical position. It has been quarried, and produces abundance of excellent roofing slate. There is also a limestone deposit here.

The Tamar is three miles wide at its mouth, and on