A NEGLECTED NUGGET. 11
proaches
to the Wynaad from the plains. In particular I was enchanted with the
fine view down the Balcarres Valley, so full of noble timber.*
Here
I was glad to meet my good friend Harvey, who had ridden out to welcome
me; and as we had plenty to say on topics of mutual interest, the rest
of my long ride went by quickly and pleasantly. After passing through
the Eichmond estate, we crossed the only bit of level country I had
seen.
" A swamp in the rains," said Harvey.
" Then a bad look-out for the future city of Pun-dalur," said I.
"Yes; that is Hadiabetta Peak. Grlenrock lies on the other side of those hills."
We
leave them on our left, and ride through Eosedell, belonging to the
Phoenix Company. Then we enter St. Thome; coffee again. At last we are
on South Indian property, and I congratulate myself on having arrived
at my journey's end.
"Not yet," replied Harvey; "you have more than a mile to go yet."
*
This is a grand estate, concerning which, if I am not much mistaken,
the public will hear again before long. An attempt was made, some
eighteen months ago, to raise- the necessary capital for working it;
but the scheme fell through. It was born before due time. I could not
obtain any information as to the proprietor's views for opening out
this property; but was informed that some of the richest reefs in the
Wynaad were known to run through the Balcarres Valley, and that a
veritable nugget, of the kind that Australians know all about, was
actually picked up when I was there.
