We have had several pleasant expeditions in the neighbourhood. Last Monday, Sir Hercules having ordered a special train to take us to see the Blue Mountains, we started early and went as far as the wonderful zigzags by which the rail is carried across the mountains. I had the privilege of sitting on the engine, so I obtained an admirable view. The following day Mr Gordon, Capt. Knollys, Dr Macgregor, Dr Mayo, and Mr Eyre started for Fiji in H.M.S. Barracouta, so our first detachment is fairly under weigh. Sir Arthur is waiting for telegrams from England, and is to follow in H.M.S. Pearl with Commodore Goodenough. It has been decided that we are to remain at Pfahlert’s Hotel till he sends us orders to follow, which we hope may come soon. Meanwhile we find some attractions here. To-day we drove out to the South Heads, and had a most lovely walk along the cliffs. At the entrance to the harbour we came to a pretty little church perched among the rocks, and listened to the choir practising “The strain upraise,” while we sat basking in the sunshine, the whole air fragrant with the honeyed blossoms of the red and white epacris, which grows in profusion, and is suggestive of many-coloured heaths. Though the everlasting gum-tree is apparently the only indigenous growth, there is lovely foliage of all sorts in the gardens of innumerable villas, which lie dotted all over the countless headlands, and along the shores of the many creeks which branch off from this immense and most lovely harbour. In these gardens you find clumps of bamboo growing beside weeping-willows; holly-bushes, with clusters of scarlet berries, overshadowed by stiff date palms; broad-leaved plantains, contrasting with leafless trees; frost-dreading heliotrope beside wintry chrysanthemums and withered oak; while dark Norfolk Island pines serve as a background to large camellia-trees, literally one blaze of blossom, pink, white, crimson, and variegated. These grow in such rank profusion wherever they receive the slightest care, that we marvel to find them in so comparatively few gardens, especially as their value is so fully recognised that good blossoms fetch about 6d. a-piece; and market-gardeners allow millions to drop unheeded, rather than lower their price. There are lovely ferns in many of the little gullies, and delightful spots at which to land for picnics. One of the favourite “ploys” here is to start armed with a small hammer, a bottle of vinegar or some lemons, and slices of bread and butter, and find a feast of oysters on the rocks! Two days ago, the weather being warm and sunny, Lady Robinson took us in her steam-launch fourteen miles up one of the creeks. It was like a beautiful Scotch lake; and we caught glimpses of many lesser creeks branching off to right and left, all tempting us to explore. Now I must despatch my letter. So good-bye.—Your loving sister. * * * * *