Page:Sea and River-side Rambles in Victoria.djvu/23

4 the use of which will be apparent by and by, a few quires of blotting paper and muslin strapped between well-seasoned boards, and our microscope, determined to explore some of those glorious dark crannies and sheltered nooks which for months past had formed the subject of our dreams, day and night, and which add so considerably to the charm of Sea-side rambling. But where to go then became a matter of grave consideration,—Hobson's Bay, Geelong, Queenscliff, all had something to recommend them, but we wanted companionship and quiet as well as fresh air, and so Warrnambool was decided on to be visited first, with a hope to call, as our leisure would allow, at all these places on our return. The trip to Lady Bay, a few years since one of so much discomfort, having to be made in diminutive crafts, not particularly well provisioned, is now really an enjoyable one, and where it formerly occupied from a week to an indefinite period at the caprice of the winds, is now performed in about eighteen hours in steamers, well officered and well furnished in every way. The weighty point "where to go," being thus decided, we were before many hours had passed over our heads safely ensconced on board the "Lady Bird," and in spite of the gloominess of the morning, the mere anticipation of what we knew to be in store for us soon dispelled all the feeling of "hippishness" which had beset us for many weeks previously. Although steaming along the coast for a considerable portion of the passage, there is nothing of interest to observe after passing the Heads, except the few chance vessels which may be sighted, and the Cape Otway