and the horses
have improved, but they are still unfit for work, as the grass is very
dry and not in a state to fatten animals.

4th November (Sunday).

The sky was overcast in the afternoon with a strong north-west breeze,
and every indication of approaching rain.

5th November.

Landing stores from the schooner; general duties; light shower at 3 p.m.;
evening cloudy. By observed altitudes on the meridian, the latitude of
the camp 15 degrees 34 minutes 30 seconds.

6th November.

Messrs. H. Gregory, Elsey, and Mueller, with two men and the master of
the schooner, proceeded up the river in the gig to ascertain the most
convenient spot for procuring timber for the repair of the vessel; the
men variously employed coopering casks, fencing garden, etc. Towards
evening the sky was overcast, and a slight shower fell at 4 p.m., the
thermometer varying from 85 degrees, 100 degrees, 90 degrees. Mosquitoes
are very numerous in the evenings. Received from Mr. Wilson a copy of his
diary while in charge of the party on board the schooner ascending the
Victoria River. In going down to the well Richards fell down among the
reeds, and a splinter entered his wrist, passing under the skin for one
and a half inches; but no material injury has occurred, though the wound
will disable him for a few days.

7th November.

Men employed coopering the flour-casks, fencing the garden, completing
the store, and general camp duties. The party which went up the river
yesterday in search of timber for the repair of the vessel returned in
the evening, having found some suitable melaleuca-trees on the bank of
the creek below Steep Head. The afternoon was again cloudy, with much
lightning in the evening.

8th November.

Men employed clearing away the grass and bushes around the camp, landing
cargo from the schooner, plotting map of route from Point Pearce to the
Victoria River.

9th November.

Party employed as before.

10th November.

Party employed as before. On unpacking the rice and peas, found that 720
pounds of rice and half a bushel of peas were destroyed by salt-water,
and much more damaged; much of the sugar is damaged; but as it is not
prudent to open casks, the quantity lost cannot be ascertained. Wrote to
the master of the Tom Tough, requesting information with reference to a
complaint by Mr. Wilson, that on the 30th September his signals for a
boat to bring him to the schooner had been disregarded.

11th November (Sund