Originally published in the Dandenong Journal from 10 March to 22nd September, 1932.
This copy is taken from the original published then, not the book version now used by others.
“At this period the creek was a very narrow stream, and could be crossed at almost any part in a stride or leap. Along its banks, from source to mouth, the loveliest maiden hair fern flourished luxuiantly; sometimes it could be picked over two feet high, with stems as black and as thick as the lead in a pencil, and with fronds as graceful as could be conceived. Other native plants and shrubs were growing in profusion, and, although I have travelled far from home, I have never seen a place prettier than Dandenong in its virgin state.
“The spade of the roadmaker had not then broken into the virgin beauty of the place, and all the evidence that it was the dwelling place of man was the winding dray tracks arid bridle paths in and out among the trees, a slab hut or tent, and the ring of axes in the bush. It was, indeed, a lovely scene that bright Spring afternoon, and even now I can picture it, the lapse of over three score years years failing to dim my perspective of the most minute detail.
“I can, in fancy, see the towering redgums, rising higher and higher, until they topped the apex of Church Hill, and so faded away; the smaller trees with their varying foliage; and again the infinite variety of shrubs, with bracken and grasses, which comprised undergrowth; and which clothed Dandenong, from the hill upon which I stood, down to the creek, making as pretty a picture as one could wish to gaze upon.”
All original content © Copyright 2017 Old Dandenong ~ Reminiscences ~ Unless otherwise stated.
All content by other people is their interlectual properly unless otherwise stated.