cess to the opposite
bank, and at once selected the spot for a depot camp, which we
established on a fine position commanding long vistas both up and down
the river. It was, in fact, a tete-de-pont overlooking the rocky passage
which connected the grass on both sides. This was No. VIII., and in
latitude 28 deg. 1' 37''. Thermometer, at sunrise, 68 deg.; at noon, 104 deg.; at 4
P. M., 101 deg.; at 9, 74 deg.;--with wet bulb, 64 deg..

13TH APRIL.--Here I could leave the jaded cattle to refresh, while, with
a small party on horse-back, I could ascertain the farther course of the
river, and explore the country to the north-west where centred all my
hopes of discovery. I set on foot various preparations, such as the
stuffing of saddles, shoeing of horses, drying of mutton, and, first of
all in importance, though last likely to be accomplished, the making a
pair of new wheels for a cart to carry water. Thermometer, at sunrise,
47 deg.; at noon, 100 deg.; at 4 P. M., 101 deg.; at 9, 67 deg.;--with wet bulb, 62 deg..

15TH APRIL.--This day I sent Mr. Kennedy to examine the country in the
direction of 3311/2 deg., my intended route, and he returned about 10 P. M.,
having seen what he considered indications of the river on his right when
about twelve miles from the camp, and plains to the left. Upon the whole,
I resolved, from what he said of the scrubs he had met with, to travel
north-west, that direction being perpendicular to the general course of
this river, and therefore the most likely to lead the soonest to higher
ground. Thermometer, at sunrise, 68 deg.; at noon, 104 deg.; at 4 P. M., 103 deg.; at
9, 72 deg.;--with wet bulb, 67 deg..

16TH APRIL.--In order better to contend with the difficulty of wanting
water, and be better prepared for it, I formed my party rather of
infantry than cavalry, taking only two horses, drawing a cart loaded
chiefly with water, and six trusty men, almost all old soldiers. We were
thus prepared to pass several nights without requiring other water than
that we carried with us. I hoped thus to be enabled to penetrate the
scrubs, and reach, and perhaps cross, the higher land bounding this great
basin. Our first day's progress, being rather experimental, did not
extend above ten miles. I had been obliged to send back the shaft horse,
and exchange him for a better, as our load of water was heavy. The day
was very sultry. Thermometer 105 deg. Fahrenheit, in the shade. We had passed
over ground more