18th September.
Starting at 7.0 a.m., steered north 10 degrees east magnetic till 12.30
p.m., crossing a level country with frequent hollows which form lagoons
in the wet season, reaching a sandy creek with several channels, which we
searched in vain for water; but found a fine lagoon about a quarter of a
mile from it, in a grassy flat, in which we encamped. The country
generally was more open, with grassy box-flats; melaleuca scrubs less
frequent. As this camp appeared suitable for a halt of a few days, I
decided on availing ourselves of the opportunity, and to kill one of the
unserviceable horses and replenish our stock of meat and supply the party
with fresh provisions. Old Boco, who had not carried a pack since leaving
the Albert, and whose wandering and kicking propensities had rendered him
a troublesome animal, was therefore shot, skinned and quartered.
Latitude by a Aquilae 17 degrees 21 minutes 20 seconds; variation of
compass 5 degrees 15 minutes east.
19th September.
The horse was cut into thin slices and hung on ropes to dry by 10.0 a.m.,
the liver and heart furnishing the party with an excellent dinner.
20th September.
The night had been cloudy, but the meat dried well, and promised to be
fit to pack the following day, the weather being very hot with little
wind. Reduced the ration of flour to three-quarters of a pound per diem
while fresh meat is abundant.
21st September.
Resumed our journey at 8.15 a.m. and traversed on a course north 40
degrees east a level plain grassy country thinly wooded with box,
bloodwood, and terminalia, etc. The soil a dark loam of good quality, but
very wet in the rainy season. At 11.30 a.m. came on a large creek or
river with many sandy channels in which only a few small pools of water
remained; followed it up to the east-south-east through fine open grassy
flats till 2.35 p.m. and camped in the bed of the river. The banks of the
river (which is probably the Gilbert of Leichhardt) are well grassed, and
a dense line of melaleuca, leucodendron, flooded-gum, and morinda, mark
its course through the plain; but being divided into many channels its
size is difficult to ascertain. Considerable quantities of mica are mixed
with the soil on its banks, which indicates that it rises in country of
primary formation. Two kangaroos, some wallabies, and pink and
sulphur-crested white cockatoos were seen near the river.
Latitude by a Aquilae 17 degrees 18 minutes 5 seconds.