ore certain supply of drinkable water. We went a distance to
which the bullocks could not have been brought, and then got on a red
sandy soil, which at once destroyed our hopes; and on tasting the river
water we found it salter than ever, our supply being diminished to two
pints. Our animals being weak and purged, and having proceeded at least
forty miles from the camp, I thought it best to yield to circumstances,
and to return, though I trust I shall be believed when I add, it was
with extreme reluctance I did so; and had I followed the wishes of my
party, should still have continued onwards. Making a part of the river
where we had slept, we stayed to refresh, and in consequence of the
heat of the weather were obliged to drink the water in it, which made
us sick. While here, a tribe of blacks came to us and behaved
remarkably well. At night we slept on a plain without water, and the
next day we regained the camp, which had been visited by the natives
during our absence.

We found the river held a south-west course, and appeared to be making
for the central space between a high land, which I called Dunlop's
Range, at Mr. Hume's request, and a lofty range to the westward. It
still continued its important appearance, having gained in breadth and
in the height of its banks, while there were hundreds of pelicans and
wild-fowl on it. Flowing through a level country with such a channel,
it may be presumed that this river ultimately assumes either a greater
character, or that it adds considerably to the importance of some other
stream. It had a clay bottom, generally speaking, in many places
semi-indurated and fast forming into sandstone, while there was
crystallized sulphate of lime running in veins through the soil which
composed the bank.

This river differs from most in the colony, in having a belt of barren
land of from a quarter of a mile to two miles in breadth in its
immediate neighbourhood, and which is subject to overflow. This belt
runs to the inland plains, where a small elevation checks the further
progress of the flood. There is magnificent blue gum on both sides the
river, but the right bank is evidently the most fertile, and I am
mistaken greatly if there is not a beautiful country north of it.

Of the country over which we have passed, it is impossible for me to
have formed a correct opinion under its present melancholy
circumstances. It has borne the appearance of barrenness, where in even
moderate rain, i