hey fired the timber, some of which
were still smoking in different parts of it. Observing some lofty trees
at the extremity of the plain, we moved towards them, under an
impression that they indicated the river line. But on this exposed spot
the sun's rays fell with intense power upon us, and the dust was so
minute and penetrating, that I soon regretted having left the shady
banks of the river.

About 2.p.m. we neared the trees for which we had been making, over
ground evidently formed by alluvial deposition, and were astonished to
find that reeds alone were growing under the trees as far as the eye
could penetrate. It appeared that we were still some distance from the
river, and it was very doubtful how far we might be from water, for
which the men were anxiously calling. I therefore halted, and sent
Fraser into the reeds towards some dead trees, on which a number of
spoonbills were sitting. He found that there was a small lake in the
centre of the reeds, the resort of numerous wild fowl; but although the
men were enabled to quench their thirst, we found it impossible to
water the animals. We were obliged, therefore, to continue our course
along the edge of the reeds; which in a short time appeared in large
masses in front of us, stretching into a vast plain upon our right; and
it became evident that the whole neighbourhood was subject to extensive
inundation.

ENCAMP AMIDST REEDS.

I was fearful that the reeds would have checked us; but there was a
passage between the patches, through which we managed to force our way
into a deep bight, and fortunately gained the river at the bottom of it
much sooner than we expected. We were obliged to clear away a space for
the tents; and thus, although there had been no such appearance from
Mount Foster, we found ourselves in less than seven hours after leaving
it, encamped pretty far in that marsh for which we had so anxiously
looked from its summit, and now trusting to circumstances for safety,
upon ground on which, in any ordinary state of the river, it would have
been dangerous to have ventured. Indeed, as it was, our situation was
sufficiently critical, and would not admit of hesitation on my part.

NATURE OF THE COUNTRY.

After the cattle had been turned out, Mr. Hume and I again mounted our
horses, and proceeded to the westward, with a view to examine the
nature of the country before us, and to ascertain if it was still
practicable to move along the river side. For, a