country. There are several other excursions from the city, one in particular to the Vineyards, about three miles distant, beautifully situated on a sloping ridge above the river. Every kind of vine has been imported to these gardens, for the purpose of proving the feasibility of extending their culture through the district—it being generally supposed as most favourable for the growth of the grape in making wine. There are also fine farms and gardens in the neighbourhood, and a trip to the Marrabool Hills
will show the justice of the appellation of the "Blessed Australia." This locality is thus described by an admired author:—
"Never before did the mimosa seem to bear such lovely blossoms, or shed such fragrant flowers; hills and dales were alike covered with them, principally of a yellow colour, presenting to the eye an unusual
