et; and I think we may assume that the highest
peak does not exceed 1,500 feet above the sea.

Meteorogical.--We have been very fortunate up to the present time
as regards the weather, both in having had plenty of water and
moderate temperatures. The thermometer has never risen above 88.5
degrees in the shade, and has seldom been below 50 degrees, the
average daily range having been from 58 to 80 degrees. During our
stay on the Darling, the temperature of the water varied very
slightly, being always between 65 and 67 degrees. The winds have
generally been light, frequently going all round the compass in the
course of the day; but in any case it has almost invariably fallen
calm after sunset. Cirri and cirrostratus clouds have been very
prevalent during the day, and cumulostratus during the night.

Wells and Creeks.--The temperature of the water in the well at
Kokriega, at ten A.M. October 21, was 58.5 degrees, being exactly
the same as the temperature of the air. That of the water between
the rocks, at Bilpa, at five P.M. on the same day, was 64 degrees,
the temperature of air being 75 degrees. The temperature of the
water in the sand at Naudtherungee, at seven A.M. on the 26th, was
59.5 degrees, that of the air being 62 degrees. At five A.M.
October 28, the temperature of the water in Wonominta Creek was 63.
5 degrees, that of the air being 62 degrees.

Note.--The temperature of the water is always taken within six
inches of the surface.

. . .

The Royal Commission of Inquiry censured Mr. Burke for
the appointment of Mr. Wright, without personal knowledge of him;
and, judging by the lamentable results, a grave mistake it was. But
Mr. Burke was placed in great difficulty by the resignation of Mr.
Landells and Dr. Beckler, and acted to the best of his judgment
under the circumstances, with the means at his disposal. His
confidence, too hastily bestowed, was repaid by ingratitude and
contumely. Wright never spoke of his commander without using terms
of disparagement, and dwelling on his incapacity. "He was gone to
destruction," he said, "and would lose all who were with him." He
repeated these words to me, and others even stronger, both in
Melbourne and in Adelaide. McDonough, in his evidence before the
Royal Commission, was asked, "What did you say as to Mr. Wright's
desponding?" He answered (436): "He always gave Mr. Burke up as
lost; said he was neither gone to Queensland nor anywhere else; the
man has rushed