NG WITH OTHER NATIVES.

Finding that the arrangement pointed out by these natives was the only
one I could adopt I was obliged to follow their advice, and we
accordingly moved off in a north-east, and then north-east by east
direction. After travelling over about four miles of country we heard the
distant cries of natives, and soon after came up with and found them
engaged in the pleasant occupation of carrying two wounded men on their
shoulders into Perth. These men had quarrelled and had settled the
dispute to their mutual satisfaction, as well as to that of their
friends, by spearing each other through their respective thighs. One of
the poor fellows was very ill and told me that his intention was to sit
down at my house in Perth until he was well--and he kept his promise.

I had many friends amongst these natives and soon selected four to
accompany me, their names were Warrup, Jenna, Dwer, and Ugat. There were
five northern natives with the tribe who had never seen white men; they
seemed to view us with great suspicion at first, but the present of a
little bread soon placed us on the most friendly terms; and, after about
half an hour's halt, we separated, they proceeding to Perth whilst we
pursued a northerly course. After having made about four miles in this
direction we halted for the day at the head of the Lake Moolore.

LAKE COUNTRY.

December 2.

We started before dawn, travelling in nearly a straight line across the
country, our compass course being 329 degrees from the north. After we
had made about three miles we reached a swampy lake, called Nirrooba,
covered with wild-fowl. We here halted and prepared our breakfast whilst
the natives went out to hunt. I soon shot a brace of wild ducks, and they
speared nine; I now gave little Ugat my gun, and he brought in four more
ducks, making a total of fifteen. Part of these we cooked, and kept the
remainder for our dinner. I forgot to mention that we yesterday shot
twelve parakeets.

I wandered for some distance about the eastern side of this lake and saw
some very good land, I should say at least fifty acres; and, in addition
to this land of the best quality, there was plenty of good feed for
cattle all round the lake.

DELAY, AND BIVOUACK.

At 2 P.M. we started again in a due north direction and, having proceeded
about four miles, reached a lake called Nowoorgoop. We now changed our
course to north and by west, and, after travelling six miles more, came
t