which their sombre foliage and immense size,—contrasted with the surrounding verdure, and with the naked gra nitic precipices,—give a character of romantic wildness. This elevated forest contains also numerous other timber trees, belonging to species already enumerated, as well as the grass-tree (xanthorrhea), which does not occur in low situations. Threading our way with much caution, to avoid the accident of falling down a precipice, we reached the cen tral and most elevated part of the road, whence we ob tained an extensive view of the wooded plains, and be yond them, of the waters of the Gulf, and the Sixteen Mile Creek. Over this wild landscape reposed the radi ance of a brilliant moon, constituting such a scene of stillness and beauty as is not easily forgotten. Leaving on my left the summit of Mount Lofty, we began to descend the eastern declivity, and towards mid night reached the halfway-house,—an inn established in that sequestered solitude for the accommodation of the settlers of Mount Barker district. It derived its chief support, however, from the reckless prodigality of the wood-cutters and sawyers employed in the forest, for the most part run-away sailors, who earned from four to five pounds per week, which they usually spent in drink. This circumstance will partly account for the inordinate price of building materials, and the stunted appearance of the houses in Adelaide. After leaving the halfway-house, we should have been unable to continue our journey, but for the skilful piloting of an old bush-horse from Van Dieman’s Land, whose rider gave him a loose rein. Thus guided, we descended some steep declivities, crossed two