to a width of nearly a mile, the banks were low and sloping, and the
bed shallow and dry. It was still nevertheless, well watered, the
stream, as is not unusual in many of our northern rivers, continuing
to run under the surface of the sand, and requiring very slight
digging or even scratching, to be got at. The general course
throughout the day was about N.W.1/2W. (Camp VI.)

'September' 9.--The course down the river was resumed over similar
country to that of yesterday. Keeping at the back of some low
table-topped hills, at 5 miles the party struck a fine clear deep
lagoon, about two miles in from the river, of which it is the
overflow. A chain of small waterholes occurs at 12 miles, which were
covered with ducks and other water-fowl, whilst immense flocks of a
slate-colored pigeon were seen at intervals. They are about the same
size as the Bronzewing, and excessively wild.* The river, when again
struck, had resumed running. It was still sandy and full of the
graceful weeping melaleuca in the bed, where traces of alligators
were observed. The country traversed throughout the day was good,
but the small plains and flats were thought likely to be swampy in
wet weather. Another good stage of 26 miles was made, and the party
again camped on the river. The general course was due west. (Camp
VII.)

[footnote] * 'The Phaps Histrionica, or Harlequin Bronzewing.'

'September' 10.--Taking his course from the map he carried, shewing
the river running north-west, and depending on its correctness, Mr.
Jardine bore to the north-west for 15 miles, travelling over sandy
honey-combed rises, and low swampy plains, when he reached a
watershed to the north, which he then supposed must be the head of
Mitchell waters, finding himself misled by his map and that he had
left the river altogether, he turned south by west and did not reach
it before the end of 8 miles on that bearing, when the party camped
on a small ana-branch. The true course of the river would thus be
about W. by N. Total distance 23 miles. (Camp VIII.)

'September' 11.--This day's journey was over fine country. The
first course was N.W. for about 5 miles, to a large round shallow
lagoon, covered with quantities of wild fowl, and thence, following
the direction of the river into camp about 13 miles, over a
succession of large black soil plains covered with good grasses,
mixed herbs, and salt bush. The principal timber being bauhinia,
suggested the name