ue, which might be from the effect of the salt. However at a mile
up the creek, a fine reach of good water was found, two miles long
and sixty yards wide. The bed of the creek contained sandstone rock,
was well grassed, and where crossed, ran about east and north. A
fine barramundi was caught in it, and Alexander Jardine shot six
whistling ducks in the first creek. The country traversed to-day
alternated between extensive marine plains, covered with "pigs face,"
('Misembrianthemum Iriangularis'), and crusted with salt, and low
undulating tea-tree, and banksia ridges. Birds were very plentiful,
large flocks of native companions ('Gurus Antigen,') stalked over the
marine plains, and when seen at the distance had the appearance of a
flock of sheep, gigantic cranes, pelicans, and ibis were numerous,
whilst in the lagoons of the creek, nearly every kind of water-fowl
common to Queensland, was found, except the coot and pigmy goose,
plover and snipe were abundant, also the elegant Burdekin duck, and a
small crane was noticed having a dark blue head and body, with white
throat and neck. (Camp XXXIX.) Lat. 16 degrees 3 minutes 38
seconds. A tree was marked F. J. in heart on one side, and 39 in
square on the other.

'December' 14.--To-day the party started north-east, the Leader
wishing, if possible, to hit the Mitchell at the head of the tide.
Water was carried in case these should not find any, but the
precaution was fortunately unnecessary. At five miles they crossed a
small creek from the eastward, having one small hole of water in it.
The country to that point was similar to that of yesterday, thence
outward for about 9 miles they traversed box flats, intersected with
low sandy rises, well grassed, and timbered with stringy-bark and
acacia. Another watered creek was crossed at about 9 miles from the
start, and the camp pitched at a round waterhole, in a well-watered
creek at 14 miles. Many gullies were crossed filled with the
screw-palm ('Pandanus Spirilas.') The soil of the box flats was a
stiff yellow clay. Hot winds had been prevalent for the last week
from the south-east, which parched and baked everything and made the
mosquitoes very numerous and annoying. (Camp XL.) Latitude 15
degrees 56 minutes 31 seconds.

'December' 15.--The grass was so coarse and dry at this camp, that
the precaution was taken of watching the horses all last night, and
the party started this morning by moonlight. For 5 miles th