THE Victorian Daturalist. VOL. IV.-No. 9. JANUARY, 1888. No. 49. FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA. OFFICIAL REPORT. BY A. J. CAMPBELL. IT is a matter for congratulation to all concerned that the expedition was a complete success. The following are the members who took immediate part, viz. :-Messrs. E. M. Cornwall, C. Chandler, C. Lane, Dr. Llewellin, Messrs. J. N. M'Kibbon, W. Hatton, A. Coles, G. A. Keartland, Ă. J. Campbell, T. G. Campbell, J. E. Dixon, Sub-Inspector Deasy, Professor Spencer, Messrs. D. Le Souëf, C. Frost, M. Sheppard, H. Hughes, E. Dombrain, L. Hart (represented by Mr. T. Wood), H. W. Hunt, Charles French, jun., F. N. Ingamells, G. Sweet, W. Chisholm, W. A. Sayer, A. Borthwick, jun. (represented by Mr. St. John); in all twenty-six, with Mons. Musika as cook. On Wednesday, 2nd November, after a little delay, the Government steamer Lady Loch, with the expedition on board, departed from the Town Pier, Port Melbourne, at 9.25 p.m. Shortly after midnight the Heads were passed, and Cape Wickham-the most northerly point of King's Island-made about 9.30 in the morning. Passengers and luggage were all safely landed on the Yellow Rock beach, on the north-west corner of the island, by mid-day, by means of the steamer's boats, aided by another from the lighthouse, in charge of the superintendent. The site chosen for the head-quarters' camp was a clean, well-grassed, mossy flat near the estuary of the Yellow Rock rivulet, in an amphitheatre of ancient sand dunes, clothed with thick scrub. Thus almost complete shelter was secured from prevailing winds and weather; while immediately in front was a horseshoe-shaped billabong of the rivulet, with slightly discoloured water, somewhat sweet, but thoroughly wholesome. As the camp was some distance from the landing, it was no easy task removing the heavy packages thither, especially as a great majority of the passengers had suffered from the usual mal de mer of a rough passage across the straits, and were weak in consequence. However, by nightfall the camp was pretty secure, and next day, with the assistance of an islander hunter and his two horses, everything was under canvas, the rain notwithstanding. Saturday, 5th.-Settling down, and short excursions took place. More rain in the afternoon and evening; 89 points were registered at the lighthouse. Monday, 7th.-The camp formed into sections. First.One by Professor Spencer, Messrs. Chandler, Cornwall, A. J. Campbell, Frost, Le Souëf, Sayer, Chisholm, and Wood together, with Grave as guide, two horses as packs, and a pack of ten or twelve dogs to hunt wallaby for fresh victuals, left camp shortly after 7 a.m. Crossing the mouth of the Yellow Rock rivulet, the beach was followed. At about two miles turned inland, and coursed slowly in a north-easterly direction, over hummocks fairly grassed and patched with miserable scrubs. Passed several lagoons on the right, the largest rejoicing in the name of Bob's. At about six miles took an easterly course through what is locally known as the Reedy Flats-well named reedy, with seemingly no end of moisture and melaleuca swamps. During the morning snakes were trumps," no less than eight being killed or captured. Mid-day halt and meal occurred in rain at about ten miles. rained more or less during the remainder of the day. Course now more southerly. After wading knee-deep through Martha Lavinia Lagoon (the larger), and threading thicker scrubs, the east coast was struck between Boulder and Lavinia Points. Following the beach, and then journeying inland over low, bracken-covered hummocks in a south-westerly direction, at about twenty miles "Bertie" (a hunter's old camp) was made. The small hut, built of parts of many wrecks, held a portion of the party, while the tent was pitched to accommodate the balance. After supper all were rendered as comfortable as circumstances-the rain-would permit for the night. It By morning the rain had cleared. Messrs. Sayer and Chisholm elected to remain at " 'Bertie," while the remainder explored southward. A good, sandy beach, with low tide, was followed. At about ten miles forded the Sea Elephant River, and lunched; country improving, more forest-like here. At between thirteen and fourteen miles crossed Blow-hole Creek, erroneously indicated on the Admiralty charts as the Fraser River. At about sixteen miles made half a mile inland to another hunter's old camp ("Eldorado ") on an ever-flowing creek, which was named Spencer, after Professor Spencer, who unconsciously made himself one of the most popular members of the expedition. With clearing weather, an enjoyable evening's camp was spent, excepting by those members who were violently disturbed by camping upon a bulldog ants' nest. The Prince of Wales' Birthday was a delightful day. Messrs. Grave and Wood struck inland, and explored the bluegum forest intermingled with splendid blackwood and sassafras trees, and took "photos" of same, and on return hunted wallaby-venison for supper. Campbell and Frost proceeded south, crossed the Fraser River, and entered a thick forest of bluegums, with ground scrubs of acacia, musk, hazel, etc., enclosing numerous fern gullies. Le Souëf and Spencer proceeded further south, and rounded Point Campbell (hitherto unnamed, but now dedicated to a member of the expedition). At about seven miles from "Eldorado" Camp further progress was rendered impossible by the vertical cliffs that rose from the sea to the heavy forest above. Cornwall and Chandler remained in camp skinning birds and fossicking the locality. Thursday, 10th.-After a breakfast consisting of soup condensed from eighteen wallaby tails, the tent was struck, and steps retraced to "Bertie" Camp. So joined Messrs. Sayer and Chisholm. Next day (11th) all returned to west coast. En route a fine sheet of water was passed locally and somewhat ambiguously known as the Big Lake. It was called Lake Dobson as a help to perpetuate the name of Dr. Dobson, who once filled the office of president of this club, and who did much to contribute to the success of its expedition to King Island. Mr. Approached the west coast at the hunter's (Grave's) home, and after enjoying an early tea there the party severed. Chandler "made tracks" for the head-quarters' camp. Mr. Sayer remained at the home, while the rest proceeded to Cape Wickham lighthouse, where they were most hospitably entertained by Mr. R. W. Garraway (the superintendent) and his assistants. It was a treat to feel once again the touch of civilisation. For one reason, the east coast provisions had given out sooner than was expected. The flour went first. A little bran was mixed, to stay its rapid progress. As the flour became thinner so the bran increased; finally, the last "mash" was all bran. Day's journey, about twenty miles. Saturday, 12th.-Examined lighthouse and quarters; took photographs of same. After beating through the intervening country in couplets, all arrived safely in head-quarters' camp before sundown. Distance, ten miles. End of the east coast party, after an absence of six days. (Second.)-Simultaneously on the 7th the west coast party started, consisting of Messrs. Keartland, M'Kibbon, Dixon, Dombrain, Hatton, and Hughes, with hunter Scott as guide, and one pack-horse. Course lay round the Yellow Rock beach, and over the Whistler Point hills, in a southerly direction. Crossed at their mouths Eel Creek and Pass River. At about |