Page:Victoria, with a description of its principal cities, Melbourne and Geelong.djvu/113

 Ballan, an agricultural village, containing some large and good inns, which derive their principal support from the immense traffic passing through to the diggings.

"At 1 A.M. the following day we were again on the road, and passed over an undulating country, crossing several creeks, until we entered a forest, composed principally of the Eucalypti, the monotonous gloom of which is directly at variance with the variegated scenery of the woodland districts in England.

"This was our last day's march, extending over twenty-four miles. As we approached the 'scene of action,' the country was exceedingly barren, and had nothing whatever inviting about it. Upon its being rumoured that we were within a short distance of Ballaarat, it was astonishing to see the wonderful stimulating power it had upon the flagging spirits of the men. They seemed inspired with new vigour, and had it not been for their sun-burnt countenances, and soiled and dirty equipments, appeared as fresh as the evening we set out. Thousands of spectators, principally diggers, came to witness our entry through the township, but not a sound or murmur escaped, expressive either of disloyalty or disaffection. The town consists of a long, straggling street, with stores, shops, and cafes and restaurants, to suit all countries. It is quite amusing to enter