, a perfectly level line bounded our view on all
sides.

NATIVE DOG.

May 1.

Just as the party was leaving the ground a noise was heard in the rear,
and two shots were fired before I could hasten to the spot. These I found
had been inconsiderately fired by Jones our shepherd at a native dog
belonging to our new guide and which had attacked the sheep. This
circumstance was rather unfortunate, for our guide soon after fell
behind, alleging to the party that he was ill. I knew however where to
find water that day; and we proceeded to the fine pond which I was so
fortunate as to discover on the 24th ultimo after our horses had suffered
thirst for three days and two nights. Two young natives who had
accompanied us for some days undertook to find water for a couple of
journeys beyond this pond. The men caught in this friendly pool several
good cod-perch (Gristes peelii) a fish surpassing, in my opinion, all
others in Australia. As we crossed the plains this day I observed the
natives eating a plant which grew in the hollows and we found it, when
boiled, a very good vegetable.

BRANCHES OF THE LACHLAN.

May 2.

We pursued a course nearly west for seven miles, having the Lachlan on
our left until we were stopped by a watercourse, or branch of the river,
which crossed our intended route at rightangles. Its banks were steep and
the passage of our waggons was consequently a work of difficulty, but the
best crossing place appeared to be just where it left the main channel.
Here accordingly we cut down the bank on each side with spades and filled
up the soft lowest part of the hollow with stumps and branches of trees,
and all of which being covered with earth from the sides, the carts were
got safely across after about half an hour's work. We soon however came
to another similar watercourse, but by the advice of the natives we
followed it to the northward, and we found that at a short distance it
branched into shallow hollows of polygonum which we traversed without
delay or difficulty. Soon after we had resumed our course by crossing
these hollows, we came upon the main channel which very much resembled
other parts of the Lachlan, only that it was smaller.

A NATIVE CAMP.

Piper's gin came to tell us that there was water ahead, and that natives
were there. We accordingly approached with caution and having found two
ponds of water we encamped beside them, the local name of the situation
being Combedyega.

CHILDREN.

A