t described by other travellers, that I could not but
think they had once been similarly situated.

On the 18th I passed into the plains until we had cleared the hills, when
we rode along their base on a course somewhat to the east of north. We
kept about half a mile from the foot of the ranges, with the brush about
three miles to our left, and a clear space between us and them. I had
been induced to take this direction in the hope that if there were any
creeks falling from the hills into the plains we should intersect them,
and accordingly after a ride of about seven miles we observed some
gum-trees, about two miles ahead. On a nearer approach we saw flights of
pigeons, cockatoos, and parrots winging round about them, and making the
air resound with their shrill notes. The anticipations these indications
of our approach to water raised, were soon verified by our arrival on the
banks of a small creek coming from the hills. Under the trees there were
two little puddles, rather than pools of water. The one had been reduced
to its last dregs, and smelt offensively, the other was very muddy but
drinkable, and such as it was we were most grateful for it. The horses
requiring rest here, I halted for the night, more especially as the day
was unusually hot, and as we could see the creek line of trees extending
to the N.W., towards the low range we had noticed in that direction from
the little peak, I determined therefore to run it down in the morning,
and to make for them, in the hope that something new would develop
itself.

On the other side of the creek from that on which we remained, there was
a new but unfinished hut. Round about it were the fresh impressions of
feet of all sizes, so that it was clear a family of natives must have
been engaged in erecting this simple edifice when we were approaching,
and that we must have frightened them away. Under this idea Mr. Browne
and I tried to find them, perhaps hid in some low brush near us, but we
could not. The plains were exceedingly open on both sides, so that they
must have seen us at a great distance, and thus had time for flight.

On the 19th we started at daylight, as I proposed if possible to gain the
hills before sunset, that being as much as the horses would do. Running
the creek down at three and a half miles we were again attracted by a
number of birds, pigeons, the rose cockatoo, the crested paroquet, and a
variety of others flying round a clump of trees at no great