state, consequent
on the amount of mud and water they had been dragged through. The
timber noticed to-day was very varied, comprising all the kinds that
have already been mentioned, with the addition of the banksia, which
was observed for the first time, and a kind of pomegranate, which was
quite new to the Brothers. The trees grow large with soft white
bark, and large round leaves. The fruit as large as an hen's egg, in
shape like the common pomegranate. Unripe it is of a transparent
white, but when mature, has a dark pink color and slightly acid
taste. It is probably the euginia mentioned by Leichhardt. They
were much annoyed by the green-tree ant, all the trees and shrubs
being covered with them, in riding along they got about their
persons, and down their backs, where they stuck like ticks. They are
of a transparent green, nearly half-an-inch long, soft, and sticky.
On coming to the green feed and good water at the camp, it was felt
that this Christmas Day, if not the most cheerful, might have been
much worse. (Camp LI.) Distance 13 miles N.N.W.

'December' 26,--The party travelled to-day on a course N.N.W. for
about 14 miles over very similar country to that of yesterday, save
that they crossed no creek, and saw no water during the whole of the
stage. Some of the ground was very scrubby and boggy, and better,
though not well grassed, too much spear grass occuring. The camp was
pitched on a splendid sheet of water, in a rocky creek, 80 yards
wide, and very long, in which some of the party caught some fine
fish. Waterfowl of all kinds were also numerous. It received the
name of Hearsey Creek, after a particular friend, Mr. W. Hearsey
Salmon. The blacks were hanging about, but did not make their
appearance. (Camp LII.)

'December' 27.--The course to-day lay over similar country, a little
to the west of north, for 16 miles to a small creek, which contained
in a puddle, just sufficient water for the use of the party and the
horses. The cattle had to go without. (Camp LIII.)

'December' 18.--At five miles from starting this morning, the
thirsty cattle were able to get abundance of water in a long sandy
creek, running in several channels, and having a rocky sandstone bed.
It was named Holroyd Creek. Two miles further on another stream was
crossed of similar size and character, which received the name of
Dunsmuir Creek. Here the country suddenly changed into lightly
timbered box flats, poorly grassed