I determined, as we had used the
most of our stores, to leave the river if possible and start for the
settled districts. It was very vexatious to come to this resolution as
the river was flowing almost in the direction of Burke's starting point
on Cooper's Creek. We left Camp 44 at 9.50 a.m. and reached the place we
had arranged to meet the blacks in about fourteen miles. It took us,
travelling steadily exclusive of stoppages, five hours to reach it. The
blacks were waiting for us and conducted us about half a mile further
down the river to a good place for our encampment. I gave a pound of
flour to one of the blackfellows. He is going tomorrow on foot to see if
there is water in the waterholes on the road to Barcoo River. Jemmy made
flour into a cake and the blackfellow and his companions ate it with
avidity. I gave the blacks a comb, and Jackey pleased them very much by
combing their hair.

April 11.

Two of the blacks started this morning along the line they intend taking
us if they can find water for the first stage. I spent a considerable
time in repairing my sextant. I got it so near right that the index error
was only four minutes, but after fastening it with a thread I found the
error was increased. This evening the blacks returned and reported that
the waterholes they had gone to see were empty. They told us of two
practicable roads to the Barcoo River. One by Stark Creek from a place up
the river, the other from a place down the river; the latter we
determined to try.

April 12.

We left Camp 45 at 8.30. Two of the blacks accompanied us down the river
to show us the road to the Barcoo River. At first they walked, but
afterwards I gave them a horse to ride alternately. The oldest of the two
liked riding so much better than walking that he made his young companion
walk the most of the way. When we had come about thirteen miles we
encamped. About a mile above here we passed some blacks whom our guides
stopped with. Afterwards the eldest of the blackfellows came in the
evening for some flour for himself and his companions. The country we
have seen since leaving 44 Camp has undulating features but no hills. The
soil rich, but vegetation dry from want of rain. We came he today on the
following courses: 11 west-south-west six and a quarter miles; 1.20
south-west two and three-quarter miles; 2.50 south-south-west four miles
to camp.

April 13. Camp 46.

46 Camp is situated near the eastern channel of the river