Be Uae ay, AO Ls TA’ 84. Surface of Australia. Australia is the smallest of the grand divisions. Its area is equal to about one third that of North America. The largest river basin in Australia 1s that of the Murray. It is thought to be nearly one half as large as the basin of the Mississippi. Where: does the Murray river rise? In what direction does its basin slope? A group of large is- lands, called New Zea- land, lies southeast of Australia. Hot Springs, New Zealand. Ranges of moun- tains lie along every coast, except that on the south. Vast plains cover a large part of middle Australia. In many places these plams are dry and sandy. None of the ranges in Australia are very high. The main -range lies along the shore of the Pacific ocean. This range is highest near its southern end. The mountains along the north and. west coasts are in low and broken ranges. In places they are but little more than hills. Tree Ferns. Blue Mountains, Australia. Many strange animals are found in Australia. Among these is the kangaroo. There is a picture of this.animal on page 85. See how large its hindlegs are. are used in making long leaps. The black people of Australia eat the flesh of the kangaroo. Many of the skins are sent to our country to be made into shoes. These strong legs