The approach to marshy land is readily indicated by the melody of the frog tribe, among which, the peculiar sound uttered by that species known by the name of the “bell frog,” is very often heard: and indeed the name is not inapplicable to the creature, the sound it produces, being very similar to a sheep-bell. Detached clumps of wire grass,[53] intermingled with the brown-coloured sedge grass,[54] and at some places reeds (Arundo phragmites? Linn.) also point out those watery patches which are often met by the traveller while journeying through this country.
Birds were occasionally numerous, particularly when near a river; but magpies and crows were never found wanting in any part of the country, abounding every where: the former the same impudent, peculating race as at home. As for the parrot tribe, enough may be seen in a day’s ride to supply all the maiden ladies in Europe with pollies sufficient to talk or scream them to death in an inconceivably short period of time; and the peculiar noise of the laughing or feathered jackass, (Dacelo gigantea,) which increases from a low to a loud thrilling gurgling laugh, was often heard.
We continued our journey over a very beautiful and romantic country, with distant thinly-wooded mountains trending towards the Abercrombie river, which was not far off, reminding me of some of the splendid scenery of Devon. After travelling about four miles, descending a steep hill, we arrived on the banks of the river, which at this part of its course was a rapid, but not broad stream. Swamp oaks (Casurina paludosa) grew abundantly on the banks, their dark foliage giving a gloomy character to the scene.[55]
After crossing the river, (which, not having been lately swollen by rains, was effected without much difficulty,) we had to ascend a very steep hill, which brought us to a gradually ascending road over hills, having a remarkably beautiful, verdant, and romantic appearance. The thinly-wooded hills were thickly clothed with a bright carpeting of verdure, imparting a cheerful feature to the country, which was further increased by a number of flowers scattered about, of various tints; among which were the Gnapthalium, with yellow, white, and pink blossoms; Emu flowers, (Richea glauca,) and a great number of the Orchideæ family; their blue, pink, and yellow flowers rising a short distance above the surface of the ground,—all afforded a pleasing variety to the many natural beauties of this place.
As we ascended this road, the sloping declivities of the hills in the vicinity, clothed with rich pasturage, sufficiently wooded to give variety, with an occasional glimpse of the “Abercrombie,” winding its course between the lofty, smiling hills, increased, as we proceeded, the beauty of the prospect. Even the climate was changed: instead of the damp, frosty, wintry climate we had left only in the morning, we were suddenly transported (a word obsolete in the colony) to another region,—the weather fine—clear and serene sky—the sun shining brilliantly upon the smiling scene; birds carolling, seemed to sympathize in our feelings; butterflies and other brilliant insects sported over the gay flowers that strewed our path, and the whole formed a scene doubly felt by comparison with the uninteresting country we had left.
After we attained the summit of this hilly ascent, the road led through a more swampy and thickly-wooded country; but that character did not continue far, for we again approached an open forest country, and a farm at Bolam[56] appeared situated on an opposite hill to that over which the road we were then traversing passed. On descending, we crossed a rivulet or creek, (for the terms are synonymous in this country,) called “Bolam Creek;” and at five P.M., arrived at the neat farm of Mr. James Hassell. We now reached the Argyle country; and the contrast between this and the portion of the Bathurst district, through which we had passed, was much in favour of the former. The distance of our journey this day was twenty-eight miles; and our horses, not lately having had good feeding, from the poorness of the pasturage, we here gave them a day’s rest; and although we had to regret the absence of Mr. Hassell, we yet received every attention from the persons left in charge.
We resumed our journey early on the morning of the 30th; but the day turned out very wet.
About Bolam Creek, flocks of wild ducks were abundant. These birds were not so wild about creeks as on large rivers. The barn-doors about the farms (in imitation of a similar custom in the “old country,”) were decorated by the brushes and tails of that shepherds’ pest, the Dingo, or native Australian dog, and other vermin belonging to the colony. As we rode through the bush, the moist atmosphere occasioned a strong aroma to be diffused from the leaves of the gum-trees, as well as from odoriferous flowers. The country was of a picturesque character; and, after a distance of twelve miles, we reached a station belonging to Mr. Ellis, called “Turril, turril,” where we remained an hour to refresh our horses. I remarked the red gum in abundance on most trees of the Eucalyptus genus: the red, spotted, and white gum, iron, and stringy bark, manna, box, and others, produced it profusely: it exudes both spontaneously and in larger quantities, when incisions have been made on the trunk, more particularly after rain. It is seen in masses upon the trunk; but its particles have so little tenacity, that when in a concrete form any attempt to detach them in one entire lump fails, and it crumbles immediately into innumerable minute fragments.
This gum resin has a strong astringent quality, and is one of the varieties of the Kino of commerce, (the other variety of Kino being brought from Africa, and is produced by a tree of the Pterocarpus genus.) When first it issues from the tree, it is of the consistence of very thick syrup, and immediately after rain may be seen flowing from an incision or cleft in the tree very abundantly, being then of a very beautiful light-red colour, becoming of a dark shining red, and hardening, by exposure to the air. The Angophora lanceolata, or apple-tree of the colonists, (a genus allied to that of Eucalyptus,) also yields a dark-red astringent gum from its trunk and branches.