the large waterhole in the Hamilton; in about a mile found some rain
water, which I allowed the horses to drink. At 10 a.m. arrived at the
large water-hole, and found it very low indeed; a great number of dead
fish all round it. This must certainly be a very unprecedentedly dry
season indeed; this water-hole does not seem to have received any water
for the last two years. The water being old and stagnant, I am afraid
will make us ill; we have all already been suffering much from stagnant
waters we have been compelled to use. I, however, must give the horses a
day's rest to enable them to make the next and last push, nearly a
hundred miles, to the first springs. From the dryness of the season, I
scarcely expect to find water before I reach them, which will be a severe
trial for the horses, the weather being so extremely hot. I am still
suffering very much from the effect of the stagnant waters; they have
sent me back again nearly to my former state of weakness, and have
assisted in checking my recovery from the scurvy, which is now again
gaining ground upon me since I lost the vegetable food. The country being
now so dry, there having been no late rain, there is not a blade of grass
to be seen. Hot wind from the north. This is the first and only hot wind
I have felt during the whole journey from Mount Margaret to the
sea-coast, and back to this place. In the afternoon the sky became
overcast with heavy clouds. At sundown the wind changed to west, and blew
very strong till eleven o'clock p.m.; we then had a few drops of rain,
but not enough to moisten the surface of the ground; after this it became
calm, the clouds broken, and there was no more of it.
Wednesday, 19th November, The Hamilton. This morning still cloudy, but
excessively close and hot. I am glad that I resolved to remain here
to-day, for the poor horses would have felt it very much travelling over
the high and heavy sand hills that we have to go over in the first day's
journey. In the afternoon the sky again became overcast with heavy
clouds, and there was a great deal of thunder and lightning to the west
and north, and again, at the same time as last night, we were favoured
with a few drops of rain; the result the same as it was then. Wind
variable and squally.
Thursday, 20th November, The Hamilton. This morning the clouds have
cleared away, but there is a nice cool strong breeze from the south-east
and east--a fine thing for the horses crossing the heavy sand hills.
Started at six o'clock a.m. Got over them very well, and reached the
mulga plain. About twelve the wind ceased, and it became very hot. In the
afternoon one of the horses (Trussell) began to show symptoms of being
very ill. One of the party was riding him at the time. I had him changed
immediately and allowed him to run loose, but he seemed to have lost all
spirit and soon dropped behind. I then had him led and driven for upwards
of two miles until I reached the Frew or Upper Neale. The dreadfully dry
state of the country since leaving the sand hills--it being completely
parched up--leaving me no hope of getting water until I reached the gap
in Hanson range or the Freeling Springs, and it being quite impossible
for us to drag him on there, I was compelled to abandon him, as it would
only knock up the other horses to drive him on. Proceeded through a still
parched-up country to the large dry lagoon, and at dark camped without
water. Wind, south-east.
Friday, 21st November, Large Dry Lagoon. Started at break of day through
some low sand hills, with valleys and clay-pans, all dry. At a little
more than six miles after starting, I was rather surprised to find recent
tracks of horses that had been feeding on and about our tracks. Thinking
it might be a party out looking for us, as I have now been some time
longer than I anticipated at starting, I sent Thring to examine and see
how many horses there were. In about half an hour he returned, and said
that he could only make out two, and those I immediately concluded were
two of the horses that had given in near this place on my journey to the
north. Proceeded on to the camp where I had buried the two hundred pounds
of sugar, frequently meeting their tracks, apparently in search of water.
Arrived at the camp, but there is not a drop there, and no appearance of
the two horses, but only their tracks in the bed of the creek, following
it down to the eastward, where there must be permanent water that has
supplied them during the past year. A thunder-shower must have brought
them out to visit the spot where they were first left. I should have
liked very much to have regained them, but the dry state of the country
and the want of water will not allow me to look for them. Found that the
things buried had been disturbed, and most of them carried away by the
natives--the others all destroyed--the sugar all gone, except about five
pounds, which was left in the hole and covered up. Proceeded, crossing
side branches of the Neale, but not a drop of water in any of
them--everything dried up. Went on towards the gap in Hanson range. At
about eight miles before reaching it, Frew's horse (Holland) knocked up
with him; he could not get him on a step further, and had to leave him.
On reaching the Lindsay, this horse had been allowed by Frew to drink too
much water, and had not recovered from the effects of it. At dark arrived
at the gap, and found plenty of water, for which I am very thankful, for
there are many of the horses that would not have stood another day's
journey without it. Day exceedingly hot. Wind, south-east.
Saturday, 22nd November, Gap in Hanson Range. Resting horses, etc. Sent
Frew in search of his horse shortly after sunrise. About half-past two he
returned, and reports that he cannot be found; that he had searched round
about the creeks and gullies where he had been left, but could find
nothing of him, and the country was too stony to track him. Day again
very hot.
Sunday, 23rd November, Gap in Hanson Range. Started at six o'clock a.m.,
intending to get to Freeling Springs, but one of the horses that had
eaten poison about the Roper country, and has never recovered from it,
but was always very poor, and of no use whatever, knocked up, and would
not move a step further; being only six miles from where we started, we
left him and proceeded on our journey. About this time the wind changed
to the north, and it came on to blow a fierce hot wind, and by the middle
of the day it was almost unbearable. Two more of the horses knocked up,
and being nearly opposite the McEllister Springs, I turned to them and
camped. These springs required to be dug out before we could get water
enough for all the horses. After opening two of them, we found them to
yield a sufficient supply. Still continuing to blow a terrific hot wind
from the north. A little before sundown it changed, and came on to blow
from the south, and blew the hot wind back again. For three hours it was
as hot as when coming from the north.
Monday, 24th November McEllister Springs. Proceeded to the Freeling
Springs and camped. This journey was as much as the horses are now able
to do. The stagnant and spring waters have weakened them so much that I
shall be compelled to rest them some time at Mr. Jarvis's, Levi's
station, before they will be able to perform the remainder of the journey
to Adelaide, that is, if I can get them that length.
Tuesday, 25th November, Freeling Springs. Found one of the chestnut
horses that was left here. The other one seems to have been taken on to
Mr. Jarvis's. Started shortly after sunrise. Proceeded to the Milne
Springs and camped. The day again extremely hot. Wind still from the
south-east. Twenty miles a day is now as much as my horses can
accomplish.
Wednesday, 26th November, Milne Springs. Proceeded to Mr. Jarvis's
station, Mount Margaret, which I expected to reach without losing any
more horses, but I am disappointed, for I had to leave four behind
knocked up, which I shall be able to recover to-morrow or the next day.
Mr. Jarvis being from home, we were received by his men with a hearty
welcome, and were shown every kindness and attention that was in their
power. Day again very hot. Wind, south-east.
Thursday, 27th November, Mount Margaret Station. Resting horses. Sent out
and had the one that knocked up about two miles from here brought in. I
am still very ill, but am able to walk a few yards without assistance. I
hope a few days will benefit me much. Day very hot. Wind, south-east.
Clouds.
Friday, 28th November, Mount Margaret Station. Resting horses. Still
cloudy. Promising rain. Sent out and had the other three knocked-up
horses brought in all right. Yesterday got in the other chestnut horse
left at the Freeling Springs, and brought down here by Woodforde. Clouds
breaking up. No rain. Wind, south-east.
Saturday, 29th November, Mount Margaret Station. Resting horses, etc. I
find the scurvy is fast gaining upon me, although I have had fresh meat
for the last few days. I must therefore push on as fast as possible down
the country, in order to get some vegetables. I shall start to-morrow
evening, and travel during the night to the William Spring to avoid the
great heat of the day, taking with me the stretcher (for I am not yet
able to ride), three men, and the strongest horses, leaving the rest here
for another week to recover with remainder of the party in command of Mr.
Kekwick, who, as soon as the horses are sufficiently strong, will conduct
the party to Adelaide. Clouds all gone. Wind, south-east.
Sunday, 30th November, Near Mount Margaret Station. Started at five p.m.
for the William Spring with fourteen horses, leaving the weak and done-up
ones at Mount Margaret for another week to recover. I have also brought
on with me Auld, King, and Billiatt. The others I have left with Mr.
Kekwick, to whom I have given command of the party, and who will conduct
them to Adelaide by easy stages, as soon as the horses are able to
travel. I travelled during the night, and arrived at the spring a little
before six a.m. Camped, unsaddled the horses, and turned them in amongst
the young reeds to feed, which they seemed very eager for.
Monday, 1st December, William Spring. During the day the horse that I was
compelled to leave here on my northward journey came towards the others,
but appeared very shy. I left him alone till nearly sundown, when I sent
King to see if he had joined them, and to see if the others were all
right. At dark he returned, and reported them to be all right, and that
the other had joined them. He tried to catch him, but that he would not
allow, so he left him with the others during the night. The day has been
very close and oppressive, with heavy clouds and distant thunder. I am
glad I performed this long journey during the night. Wind, south-east.
Clouds all gone.
Tuesday, 2nd December, William Spring. Got all the horses into camp, and
attempted to catch the stranger, but could not without roping him; I
therefore drove him along with the others to the Beresford Springs, and
then he allowed himself to be caught and hobbled. The journey has quieted
him. It is the longest journey he has had for nearly twelve months. I
arrived about four o'clock p.m., and there being plenty of young reeds,
camped. The day has been again very hot, but occasionally strong breezes
from the south-east and east.
Wednesday, 3rd December, Beresford Springs. Proceeded to Mount Hamilton
Station, where I received a very kind reception from Mr. Brown, and was
treated with the greatest possible kindness. Toward evening I again felt
very ill. Day very hot. Wind, south-east.
Thursday, 4th December, Mount Hamilton Station. I have been very ill
during the night, but started for Chambers Creek. Arrived there about
mid-day, where I again experienced a like hospitable reception and great
kindness from Mr. Lee. Wind variable. Day extremely hot.
Friday, 5th December, Chambers Creek. I shall require to rest my horses
here to-day. I was in great hopes that when I reached this place I should
have been again able to have ridden on horseback, but the waters of the
spring country through which I have just passed have reduced me nearly to
my former state of weakness, and I shall still be compelled to continue
in the ambulance a little longer. I feel a little better this morning--I
suppose in consequence of drinking fresh water. Hot wind from the north.
Towards evening a heavy thunderstorm coming from the westward.
Saturday, 6th December, Chambers Creek. Started at eight o'clock with the
ambulance towards Termination Hill. After crossing numerous sand hills,
we frequently found rain water. Towards sundown arrived at the south side
of Porter Hill. Found rain water, and camped, one of the horses being
nearly knocked up. I shall be compelled to take to the saddle to-morrow,
for the ambulance horses will not be able to carry me further. I must
send them back to the creek, there to rest till the others come down.
Cloudy. Wind variable.
Sunday, 7th December, Porter Hill. Mounted and started at six a.m. I find
that I can endure the motion of the horse better than I expected; but
about mid-day began to feel it very much. Towards four o'clock found some
rain water about ten miles from Termination Hill, for which I am very
thankful, for I could not have continued the journey any further. Camped.
Wind variable.
Monday, 8th December, Termination Hill. During the night had a heavy
thunderstorm and shower from the south-east. Started at six a.m. and
arrived at Mr. Glen's Station at sundown, quite done up; received a
hearty welcome. Encountered a heavy storm of thunder and lightning a few
miles from the station. Wind, south-east.
Tuesday, 9th December, Mr. Glen's Station. Proceeded to Mount Stuart
Station, where I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. John Chambers, who
received me with great kindness. There has been some heavy rain here
lately. Wind, south-east. Day hot.
Wednesday, 10th December, Mount Stuart Station. Accompanied by Mr.
Chambers, proceeded to Moolooloo, and arrived there in the afternoon
completely tired and exhausted from riding in the saddle. Day hot. Wind,
east.
In conclusion, I beg to say, that I believe this country (i.e., from the
Roper to the Adelaide and thence to the shores of the Gulf), to be well
adapted for the settlement of an European population, the climate being
in every respect suitable, and the surrounding country of excellent
quality and of great extent. Timber, stringy-bark, iron-bark, gum, etc.,
with bamboo fifty to sixty feet high on the banks of the river, is
abundant, and at convenient distances. The country is intersected by
numerous springs and watercourses in every direction. In my journey
across I was not fortunate in meeting with thunder showers or heavy
rains; but, with the exception of two nights, I was never without a
sufficient supply of water. This will show the permanency of the
different waters, and I see no difficulty in taking over a herd of horses
at any time; and I may say that one of our party, Mr. Thring, is prepared
to do so. My party have conducted themselves throughout this long and
trying journey to my entire satisfaction; and I may particularly mention
Messrs. Kekwick and Thring, who had been with me on my former expedition.
During my severe illness every attention and sympathy were shown to me by
every one in the party, and I herewith beg to record to them my sincere
thanks.
I may here mention that the accident which occurred to me at the starting
of the Expedition from Adelaide has rendered my right hand almost useless
for life.
The Journal concludes with the following letter:
To the Honourable H.B.T. Strangways, Commissioner of Crown Lands and
Immigration.
Adelaide, December 18, 1862.
Sir,
For the information of His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, I have the
honour to report to you my return to Adelaide, after an absence of twelve
months and thirteen days; and I herewith beg to hand you my chart and
journals of the Expedition from which I have just returned.
To you, Sir, and the Government, my especial thanks are due for the
liberal manner in which the supplies were voted, and for the kind and
ready assistance I at all times experienced. Also to George Hamilton,
Esquire, Chief Inspector of Police, for the efficient manner in which my
party was fitted out. The original promoters of my various expeditions,
Messrs. James Chambers and William Finke, have always shown the most
lively interest in my success, to which they cheerfully contributed. How
much I regret the unexpected decease of the first-named gentleman I need
here hardly state, for he was indeed heart and soul in the result, and
no one would have felt so proud of my success as my much-lamented and
best friend James Chambers. To Mr. John Chambers I am also under many
obligations for assistance in many instances, and I hereby tender him my
best thanks.
I have the honour, etc.,
J.M. STUART.
APPENDIX.
[FROM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. JUNE 9,
1863.]
ON A COLLECTION OF BIRDS FROM CENTRAL AUSTRALIA.
BY JOHN GOULD, F.R.S., ETC.
The Board of Governors of the South Australian Institute having
liberally forwarded for my inspection a selection from the
ornithological collection made by Mr. Frederick G. Waterhouse during Mr.
Stuart's late Exploratory Expedition into Central Australia, I have
thought the matter of sufficient interest to bring these birds under the
notice of the Society, the more so as it will enable me to make known
through our Proceedings a new and very beautiful species of Parrakeet
pertaining to the genus Polyteles, of which only two have been hitherto
known. Every ornithologist must be acquainted with the elegant
P. melanurus and P. barrabandi, and I feel assured that the acquisition of
an additional species of this lovely form will be hailed with pleasure.
The specific appellation I would propose for this novelty is alexandrae,
in honour of that Princess who, we may reasonably hope, is destined at
some future time to be the Queen of these realms and their dependencies,
of which Australia is by no means the most inconspicuous.
Polyteles alexandrae, sp. nov.
Forehead delicate light blue; lower part of the cheeks, chin, and throat
rose-pink; head, nape, mantle, back, and scapularies olive-green; lower
part of the back and rump blue, of a somewhat deeper tint than that of
the crown; shoulders and wing-coverts pale yellowish green; spurious wing
bluish green; external webs of the principal primaries dull blue,
narrowly edged with greenish yellow; the remaining primaries olive-green,
edged with greenish yellow; under wing-coverts verditer-green; breast and
abdomen olive-grey, tinged with vinous; thighs rosy red; upper
tail-coverts olive, tinged with blue; two centre tail-feathers bluish
olive-green; the two next on each side olive-green on their outer webs
and dark brown on the inner ones; the remaining tail-feathers
tricoloured, the central portion being black, the outer olive-grey, and
the inner deep rosy red; under tail-coverts olive; bill coral red; feet
nearly brown.
Total length 14 inches; bill 1/2; wing 7; tail 9; tarsi 7/8.
Habitat. Howell Ponds, Central Australia, 16 degrees 54 minutes 7 seconds
South latitude.
Remark. This is in every respect a typical Polyteles, having the delicate
bill and elegantly striped tail characteristic of that form. It is of the
same size as P. barrabandi, but differs from that species in having the
crown blue and the lower part of the cheeks rose-pink instead of yellow.
The following is a list of the other species of birds comprised in the
collection:
Trichoglossus rubritorquis. Rare.
Aprosmictus erythropterus.
Platycercus brownii. Rare.
Struthidea cinerea.
Climacteris melanura.
Pomatorhinus rubecula. Rare.
Cincloramphus cruralis.
Artamus leucopygialis.
Artamus cinereus. Rare.
Colluricincla brunnea.
Petroica bicolor.
Pardalotus rubricatus. Extremely rare: the second specimen seen.
Graucalus melanops.
Tropidorhynchus argenteiceps.
Geopelia cuneata.
Geopelia humeralis.
Erythrogonys cinctus.
...
[FROM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, NOVEMBER 10,
1863.]
DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES OF FRESHWATER SHELLS COLLECTED BY MR. F.G.
WATERHOUSE, DURING J. McDOUALL STUART'S OVERLAND JOURNEY FROM ADELAIDE TO
THE NORTH-WEST COAST OF AUSTRALIA. BY ARTHUR ADAMS, F.L.S., AND G. FRENCH
ANGAS, CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
1. Vivipara waterhousii, Adams & Angas.
V. testa turbinata, globoso-conica, late umbilicata, spira elatiuscula,
epidermide tenui fusco-viridi obtecta; anfractibus convexis, ad suturas
subplanatis, faciis tribus vel quatuor angustis olivaceo-viridibus
transversis ornatis; anfractu ultimo inflato, lineis duabus impressis ad
peripheriam instructo; apertura ovata, postice subangulata; labio
simplici; labro acuto.
Long. 2 inches, lat. 1 inch 8 lines.
Habitat. Newcastle Waters, Arnhem's Land (Coll. Angas):
This fine species most nearly resembles Vivipara ussuriensis, Gerst.; but
the last whorl is more inflated, and the surface of the shell is not
malleated or lirate. It is the largest species yet discovered on the
Australian continent. We have great pleasure in dedicating it to F.G.
Waterhouse, Esquire, who, under great difficulties during the expedition,
succeeded in making many valuable additions to science.
2. Vivipara kingi, Adams & Angas.
V. testa turbinata, globoso-conica, umbilicata, spira mediocri erosa
nodulosa, epidermide tenui pallide fusco-viridi obtecta, ad apicem
purpurascente; anfractibus convexis, lineolis transversis et
longitudinalibus elevatis decussatis, anfractu ultimo ad basin sulcis
impressis spiralibus instructo; apertura ovata, antice subeffusa; labio
vix reflexo.
Long. 1 inch, lat. 8 lines.
Habitat. King's Ponds, Arnhem's Land (Coll. Angas).
This is a neat, finely-decussated, concolorous species, with the upper
whorls nodulous from erosion, as in Vivipara praerosa, Gerst. It is named
after Mr. Stephen King, one of the gentlemen who accompanied the
expedition.
3. Melania (Melasma) onca, Adams & Angas.
M. testa fusiformi-turrita; spira elata, conica; epidermide pallide
olivaceo induta, rufo-fusca, pulcherrime maculata, maculis saepe in
lineis undulatis longitudinalibus dispositis; anfractibus planis,
longitudinaliter plicatis, plicis aequalibus regularibus subdistantibus,
ad suturas nodulosis; apertura oblongo-ovata, antice effusa; labio
subincrassato; labro simplici, acuto.
Long. 1 inch, lat. 4 lines.
Habitat. Tributary of Adelaide River, Arnhem's Land (Coll. Angas).
A species remarkable both for the elegance of its form and the beauty of
its painting. The whorls are plicate, with a necklace-like series of
nodules at the sutures; and the shell is covered with dark red-brown
spots, suggestive of its specific name.
4. Amphipeplea vinosa, Adams & Angas.
A. testa ovata; spira mediocri, tenui, semipellucida, vinosa; anfractu
ultimo magno, ventricoso, postice ad suturas gibboso; apertura ovata;
labio callo tenui mediocri obtecto, columella spiraliter tortuosa; labro
convexo, margine acuto.
Long. 9 lines, lat. 5 lines.
Habitat. Tributary of Adelaide River, Arnhem's Land (Coll. Angas).
This species may readily be distinguished on account of its peculiar
vinous colour. The whorls are posteriorly gibbose or tumid at the
sutures, and the callus is less spreading than in others of the genus.
5. Amphipeplea phillipsi, Adams & Angas.
A. testa ovata; spira elata, acuta, tenui, cornea; anfractu ultimo magno,
non ventricoso, transversim creberrime striato; apertura oblongo-ovali;
labio callo tenui expanso obtecto; labro simplici, acuto.
Long. 9 lines, lat. 4 lines.
Habitat. Arnhem's Land (Coll. Angas).
A neat, horn-coloured, finely transversely striated species, with an
acute elevated spire. We have named it after Mr. T. Phillips, who has
assiduously collected many new Australian shells.
6. Physa newcombi, Adams & Angas.
P. testa ovata, umbilicata; spira mediocri, acuta, ad apicem integra,
cornea, viridescente aut pallide fulva; anfractibus quinque, convexis,
saepe plus minusve transversim subliratis; apertura ovata; labio reflexo,
umbilicum partim tegente; labro vix incrassato, peristomate nigrescente.
Long. 10 lines, lat. 7 lines.
Habitat. Ponds at Mount Margaret (Coll. Angas.)
We have much pleasure in naming this noble Physa after Dr. Newcomb, the
distinguished American conchologist, who has contributed so much, by his
researches in the Sandwich Islands, to our knowledge of the genus
Helicter or Achatinella. The species is widely umbilicated, and the
peristome is usually dark-coloured.
7. Physa ferruginea, Adams & Angas.
P. testa ovata, rimata, ferruginea; spira mediocri, apice eroso;
anfractibus tribus, convexis, simplicibus, transversim crebre
crenato-striatis; apertura ovata, intus purpurascente; labio tenui, late
reflexo; labro acuto.