Part 17 (2/2)

Finished the hut, pugging it at the ends, and ood order, and we are quite safe froain, which I think is doubtful, as they got too war with Windich to-morrow easterly in search of water Barorees

16th

Left the Weld Springs with Windich and a pack-horse carrying fourteen gallons of water Steered South-East for twelve rassy ravine, which we followed along threesome fine clay-holes which would hold plenty of water if it rained We then turned East-North-East for twelve miles over spinifex, miserable country, e struck the tracks of my brother and Windich on their return, June 13th We followed along them South-East for four hteen enerally, a few grassy patches intervening, on which were nuave the horses one gallon of water each out of the cans Just when the pannicans were boiled, heard noises which we thought were natives shouting We instantly put out the fire and had our supper in the dark, keeping a sharp look-out for two hours, ere convinced it , as there were hundreds all round us, barking and howling The weather is heavy and cloudy, and I hope to get some rain shortly We slept without any fire, but it was not very cold

17th

As the horses did not rah the ranges East-South-East about, the distance being eighteen miles Passed soes are very grassy, and look proaroos and birds are nuo any farther, or our horses will not carry us back We therefore turned, keeping to the south of our outward track, and at about eleven miles found some water in some clay-holes, and camped at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon There is sufficient water to last the party about a week, but not , and I believe there will be rain to-night, which will be a great boon, and will enable us to travel along easily It is in circumstances such as I am at present placed that we are sure to implore help and assistance from the hand of the Creator; but e have received all we desire, how often we forget to give Hiht, and we had a nice shower this et very wet, as we had our waterproofs Fearing that the rain would obliterate the tracks and the party be unable to follow thes Therefore followed along our outward track, but found, to our sorrow, that there had been no rain west of our last night's cahteenleft the cans behind, thinking we should find plenty of rain-water

19th

We had to go about two ; after which, we s, as I knew the party would be co our tracks to-day When ithin six ed to take our horses to water, I decided that all should return and make a fresh start to- our absence, so I conclude they do not intend to interfere with us further On our way to-day we passed some fine rock holes, but all were quite dry Rain is very much required in this country

20th

Started at 930 a South-East towards the water found on the 17th for twenty-four ht miles, and camped without water on a small patch of feed The last ten miles was over clear spinifex country of the most wretched description The country all the way, in fact, is most rees at 8 prees 13 minutes 36 seconds South byand a pair of farrier's pincers in the stone hut at Weld Springs

21st (Sunday)

Got an early start, and continued on East-South-East At about threeon a small patch of feed in the spinifex and ca it out, that scarcely any water caood deal in the night; but, our horses being thirsty, I re-saddled and pushed on to the water about sixteen miles ahead, which we reached at 4 pm There is notahead with Pierre to-, but there is a great deal of spinifex al to our present ca short gullies Latitude 25 degrees 22 rees 57 rees at 5 pm

22nd

Left ca fifteen gallons of water Steered South-East for four rassy country, then South-East towards a high range about twenty-fiveabout threeSouth-South-East, which we followed down about fourtwo small clay-holes ater in them; then we struck South-East for fourSouth-East, which we followed along until it lost itself on the plain about six aallons of water here and there in the brook, but none large enough to camp at I then turned east, and at about seven , which I named Mount Moore, after Mr

WD Moore, of Fre the hill we had an extensive view to the South-West, South, and South-East Fine grassy country all round and very little spinifex To the south about nine milesa lake, and farther off a ree, after my friend Mr WH

Tireat deal of assistance before leaving Champion Bay A remarkable peak, with a reddish top, bore South-South-East, which I named Mount Hosken, after Mr M

Hosken, of Geraldton, a contributor to the expedition I made south towards the lake, and at one rassy plain, in which we found abundance of water, sufficient to last for ht, with beautiful feed for the horses I was very thankful to find so rassy country, for, if we had not found any this trip, we should have been obliged to retreat towards Weld Springs, the water where I left the party being only sufficient to last a few days The country passed over to-day was very grassy, with only a little spinifex, and it looks pro ahead Distance from camp about thirty-fivesouth for about eight usta The water is salt, and about five miles in circumference

Grassy country in the flat; red sand-hills along the shore It appeared deep, and swarmed with ducks and swans Pierre shot two ducks, after which we pushed on North-East for about twelve ot a view of the country ahead--rough broken ranges to the east and south We continued on east for six e,so nearer, we heard the, and soon afterward ca intently and a, and apparently much afraid He and several others ran up and joined the natives on the cliff su East-North-East for six miles, and then east for about fourteenst sorassy country the first part of the day

Kangaroos very nureat numbers

24th

Ascended a red-topped peak close to our bivouac and got a view ahead A salt lake was visible a fewsaot within apro, I deter a little south of west for threeNorth-East into the lake, and, following it up a mile, found a fine pool of fresh water, with splendid feed This is very fortunate, as it is a good place to bring the party to Elated with our success, we continued on westerly, passing some fine rock water-holes, half full of water, and at twenty y hole, with plenty of water in it, within a few hundred yards of our outward track We had rassy plain

Kangaroos and e the horses water, we pushed on for twelve rassy flats Every appearance of rain

ANOTHER NATIVE

25th

Having finished all our rations last night, I shot two kangaroos while out for the horses, and brought the hind quarters with us Continuing westerly for about ten miles, we reached the water, our bivouac on the 22nd I awaited the arrival of the party, which should reach here this unshots, and sawtowards us Found that they had ully, at soot our horses and acco more than we have had before

Very cloudy Baroone on well during my absence

26th