Although the rain still continued, we proceeded on our journey the following morning, being desirous of reaching Goulburn Plains, (which was now only twenty miles distant.) We passed through a swampy, thinly-wooded country, and by noon arrived at “Tarlo,” on the banks of the Cockbundoon river. Proceeding several miles further, from the summit of a hill near the road, we were gratified by a splendid distant view of a portion of _Goulburn Plains_, and the open forest land in its vicinity. We passed through the township, which at present contains only a few bark and wooden habitations. This situation for the township not being originally well chosen, it is the intention of government to remove it to a more suitable part of the plains. We arrived in the evening at the prettily situated dwelling-house and fine estate of J. Bradley, Esq., called Lansdowne Park; from which there is a fine prospect of a very picturesque portion of the plains. This part of the country, (called “Goulburn Plains” and “Mulwerry” by the aborigines,) is a series of beautiful plains, clear of timber, except where a few scattered clumps of _Banksia rosmarinifolia_, or “honeysuckle,” are seen, readily distinguished by its dark appearance, contrasted by the lively carpeting of verdure beneath and around them; hills of moderate elevation, with sloping declivities, and wooded on their summits, divide the plains, and give a pleasing variety to the prospect; while distant mountains, having a blue tinge, terminate the view to the horizon: occasional patches of land under cultivation with grain, innumerable herds of cattle grazing, and flocks of sheep, attended by their shepherds, gave animation to the verdant plains, not yet browned by the parching summer heats. The following morning we crossed the plains, through a still beautiful country, passing the farms of Messrs. Howey, Rossi, and Moore, near which the Wollandilly river flows in a fine stream; after a ride of nine miles, the weather being unfavourable, we sought shelter, and received a kind reception at “Cardross,” the farm of Mr. Kinghorne. On the road, several of that elegant species of the _Eucalyptus_, the _E. mannifera_, or manna-tree, were seen, having just produced flower-buds; but no manna was yet secreted from the trees. Since leaving the Blue Mountain range, not a single shrub of the Warratah or tulip-tree (_Telopea speciosissima_) has been met with; and I heard from several persons that the attempts as yet made to rear it in the gardens in this part of the colony had failed. From the splendid beauty of its flowers, the introduction would be desirable, as conducing much to the ornamental appearance of the flower garden. CHAPTER VII. Appearance among the natives of a disease resembling the small-pox—Origin and progress of that malady among the aborigines—Medical investigations—Plan of treatment—Variety of forms assumed by the disease—Its duration—The critical period—Dr. Mair’s report.