e 2nd
of October, after an absence of seven weeks, during which we had ridden
more than 800 miles. Had it not been for the precaution of digging these
wells, I do not think that two or three of the horses would have reached
their journey's end. We only found water in one, it is true, but that one
was of the most essential service, inasmuch as it saved several of our
animals; and this is a point, I hope future travellers in such a country
will bear in mind. Mr. Browne found it necessary to put all the men on
the sick list, and their comrades made them as comfortable as they could,
after their late fatigues.

It was a great satisfaction to me to learn that everything had gone on
well at the camp during my absence; Mr. Stuart had a good report to make
of all. The cattle had been duly attended to, and had become exceedingly
tame and quiet. The sheep were in splendid condition, but their flesh had
a peculiar flavour--and that, too, not a very agreeable one, still their
value was unquestionable, for if we had been living on salt provisions,
it is more than probable that half of the party would have been left in
the desert. The practicability of taking a flock of sheep into the
interior, had now been fully proved in our case, at all events; but I am
ready to admit that they are, notwithstanding, a precarious supply, and
that unless great care be taken, they may be lost. The men, however,
appeared to consider them of far too great importance to be neglected,
and I think that when taken, they will for that very reason be well
looked after.

The stockade had been erected and really looked very well; it was built
just as I had directed, with the flag flying at the entrance. I availed
myself of the opportunity, therefore, to call it "Fort Grey," after his
Excellency the then Governor of South Australia.

Mr. Stuart informed me that a few natives only had visited the camp; but
that on one occasion some of them appeared armed, being as they said on
their way to a grand fight, four of their tribe having been killed in a
recent encounter. Only the day before, however, a party had visited the
camp, one of whom had stolen Davenport's blanket. He was pretty sure of
the thief, however, so we did not despair of getting it back again.

I observed that when we were on Eyre's Creek, the climate and temperature
were cool and agreeable. From that period the heat had considerably
increased, and the thermometer now ranged from 96 to 100 degrees