level; at 2.0 p.m. came to a sandy
creek which we followed to the west till 6.5 p.m. without any water;
camped in an open grassy box flat; I then walked down the creek, and was
fortunate in finding a pool of water half a mile distant, and as soon as
the moon rose we drove the horses to the water and filled our
saddle-bags. Few parts of our journey have been through country so
destitute of animal life as the level plain we have traversed since
leaving the Flinders River--no kangaroo or even their track; emu tracks
very rare, and very few birds were at the waterholes. Many of the
sleeping-frames of the blacks have been observed, and thousands of deep
impressions of their feet in the now dry and sun-baked clay show that
during the rainy season the extremely level nature of the country causes
it to be extensively inundated.

17th September.

The supply of water and grass being sufficient, we remained at this camp
to refresh the horses, which had suffered much from the long stages.

Latitude by Capella 17 degrees 34 minutes 5 seconds; variation of compass
4 degrees 50 minutes east.

DRIED HORSE-FLESH.

18th September.

Starting at 7.0 a.m., steered north 10 degrees east magnetic till 12.30
p.m., crossing a level country with frequent hollows which form lagoons
in the wet season, reaching a sandy creek with several channels, which we
searched in vain for water; but found a fine lagoon about a quarter of a
mile from it, in a grassy flat, in which we encamped. The country
generally was more open, with grassy box-flats; melaleuca scrubs less
frequent. As this camp appeared suitable for a halt of a few days, I
decided on availing ourselves of the opportunity, and to kill one of the
unserviceable horses and replenish our stock of meat and supply the party
with fresh provisions. Old Boco, who had not carried a pack since leaving
the Albert, and whose wandering and kicking propensities had rendered him
a troublesome animal, was therefore shot, skinned and quartered.

Latitude by a Aquilae 17 degrees 21 minutes 20 seconds; variation of
compass 5 degrees 15 minutes east.

19th September.

The horse was cut into thin slices and hung on ropes to dry by 10.0 a.m.,
the liver and heart furnishing the party with an excellent dinner.

20th September.

The night had been cloudy, but the meat dried well, and promised to be
fit to pack the following day, the weather being very hot with little
wind. Reduced the ration of flour to