entre of the distant
chain, where there appeared to be a break in it, in 30 degrees 10
minutes, and in long. 139 degrees 12 minutes.

Presuming our Depot to have been in lat. 29 degrees 40 minutes 10
seconds, and in long. 141 degrees 30 minutes E., and allowing 52 1/2
miles to a degree, our long. by measurement was 139 degrees 20 minutes E.
I had ascertained the boiling point of water at our camp, about 100 feet
above the level of the basin to be 212 75/100; which made our position
there considerably below the level of the sea: but in using the
instrument on the following morning in the bed of the basin itself, I
unfortunately broke it. As, however, the result of the observation at our
bivouac gave so unusual a depression, and as, if it was correct, Lake
Torrens must be very considerably below the level of the sea, I can only
state that the barometer had been compared with one in Adelaide by Capt.
Frome, and that, allowing for its error, its boiling point on a level
with the sea had been found by him to be 212 25/100.

On the 6th I left the neighbourhood of this place, and stopped at 16
miles to verify our former bearings. The country appeared more desolate
on our return to the camp than when we were advancing. Almost all the
surface water had dried up, or now consisted of stagnant mud only, so
that we were obliged to push on for the Park, at which we arrived on the
8th. On the 10th we completed the year, it being the anniversary of our
departure from Adelaide.

I found that every thing had gone on regularly in the camp during my
absence, and that the cattle and sheep had been duly attended to.
Davenport had also dug and planned out a fine garden, which he had
planted with seeds, but none had as yet made their appearance above the
ground.

The day after our return to the camp we were visited by two natives, who
were attracted towards us by the sound of the axe. They were crossing the
plain, and were still at a considerable distance when they observed
Davenport pointing a telescope, on which they stopped, but on my sending
a man to meet them, came readily forward. We were in hopes that we should
see our old friend in the person of one of them, but were disappointed;
nor would they confirm any of his intelligence, neither could they
recognise any of the fish in the different plates I had shewn him. In
truth, we could get nothing out of these stupid fellows; but, as we gave
them plenty to eat, they proposed bringing so