Page:Victoria, with a description of its principal cities, Melbourne and Geelong.djvu/102

 deep rutted tracks, diverging in all directions, most difficult, if not impossible, for a stranger to follow; and in wet weather a matter of danger and extreme fatigue to either man or horse. The indefatigable exertions and skill with which the Public Works and Central Road Department are carrying out the wishes of the Government will soon obviate this evil, for, from the returns of last year we find that upwards of two hundred miles of road were cleared, formed, drained, and metalled; one hundred and ten bridges built, or in progress; and forty-two causeways made through creeks and swamps. These latter are, by far, works of the greatest importance, as innumerable accidents annually occurred in crossing the swamps.

The township of Meredith, thirty-two miles from Geelong, and half-way to Ballaarat, is situated in a pretty valley, along which runs a small stream. The town is laid out on the sloping side of a hill, and though some time surveyed and sold when the author passed it in 1854, it boasted of but one house. However, "a change has come o'er the spirit of its dream," and buildings are fast rising. It is now a very favourite locality.

After leaving Meredith, you again enter a forest country, generally of an undulating description; occasionally it has a more open appearance, and you sometimes catch a glimpse of an odd shepherd's hut, and a flock of sheep; then again, the road winds round a deep ravine, through thicker scrub and