Narrative Of The Overland Expedition Of The Messrs. Jardine, From Rockhampton To Cape York, Northern Queensland By Frank Jardine And Alexander Jardine
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A Wild Banana, With Small
But Good Fruit, Is Also Found In Such Localities.
On the open
grounds the bloodwood, Moreton Bay ash, and a strong growing acacia
are the principal trees.
Timber for building is scarce, and of very
indifferent quality. The iron-bark and pine are unknown here.
5. The soil on these grounds is a reddish loam, more or less sandy,
and thinly covered with a coarse ironstone gravel. Much of the
ironstone has a strong magnetic property - so much so as to suspend
a needle; and it was found a great inconvenience by Mr. Surveyor
Wilson, from its action on the instruments. As the land descends,
the soil becomes more sandy. Near the creek patches with a
considerable mixture of vegetable loam are found, which would be
suitable for the growth of vegetables, bananas, etc. The grass is
generally long and coarse, and soon after the rainy season ceases
becomes, under the influence of the strong south-east winds, withered
and dry. Horses and cattle keep their condition fairly, but sheep do
not thrive; the country is quite unsuited to them. Goats may be kept
with advantage; and pigs find an abundant supply of food in the
scrubs and swamps.
6. In the Zoology of the district, the careful researches of Mr.
M'Gillivray - the naturalist attached to H.M.'s surveying ship
Rattlesnake - have left little room for the discovery of many
positive novelties. I have, however, been able to note many
interesting facts in the economy and habits of the birds, especially
such as relate to their migration.
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