for the interruption of hills more
than ordinarily high, which broke the horizon in different directions.
One of these vistas, which I have at present in view, cannot form a less
area than 100,000 acres. Its general character presents that of
cultivated pasture for centuries past; the few trees appear as though
they owed their plantation to the hand of man. All the high hills are
covered with grass to their summits.

I discovered the fires of the natives or aboriginal inhabitants of this
marvellously fertile country, and felt delighted beyond expression that
the task of its discovery should have devolved upon myself.

_June 2nd._ My Sydney natives came on board this morning for the purpose
of assisting in packing up, and otherwise making preparations for our
contemplated expedition into the interior. As it continued to rain
heavily and a heavy bank of fog prevailed, and prevented our seeing any
distance, I proposed, rather than lose time to go with the vessel to the
river (Saltwater), and from thence take my departure for the bush. We
made the river by 3 p.m., and observed that the whole of the coast at
the head of the bay was clear of timber, and a constant plain covered
with grass.

Near the head of the river, on the point, was a plantation of she-oak.
We endeavoured to sail up the river, but found the water not more than a
fathom deep.... To-morrow, weather permitting, I intend taking my
departure up the river.

_June 3rd._ Everything being in readiness, we left the vessel about 9
a.m., and proceeded in a boat up the river for about five miles.... In
travelling further up we passed over several rich flats, about a mile
wide, by two or three miles long, destitute of trees, and covered
knee-deep with grass, from which hundreds of tons of good hay might be
made. The land was of the best description, equal to anything in the
world, nor does it appear subject to being flooded. For twenty-six miles
we continued following the course of this river, and found on both sides
of it, as far as the eye could stretch, fine open plains, with a few
trees of the oak species; one striking object was the absence of fresh
water all throughout this distance. Just before sundown as we were
preparing to camp on the bank of the river, I caught sight of a damp
place, and, on sending one of my men, Gumm, to make a hole with a stick
to the depth of two feet, we had in the course of an hour a plentiful
supply of good water.... I have named t