ard was still more pre cipitous than the side we
had ascended. The pass through which the creek issued from the hills was
on our left, Coonbaralba being between us and it, but that hill was
perfectly inaccessible; I thought it better therefore to return to sleep
at the water where we had breakfasted, with a view to running the creek
up into the ranges on the following morning. After taking bearings of the
principal objects visible from our station, we rejoined Morgan and
descended to the plains. There was a little water in the creek leading
from the hill I had at first intended to ascend, to the S.W., which was
no doubt a branch of the main creek. On our return we saw that beautiful
flower the Clianthus formosa, in splendid blossom on the plains. It was
growing amidst barrenness and decay, but its long runners were covered
with flowers that gave a crimson tint to the ground.

The principal object I had in view during the excursion I was then
employed upon, was if possible to find a proper position to which the
party might move; for I foresaw that my absence would be frequent and
uncertain, and although my men were very well disposed towards the
natives, I was anxious to prevent the chance of collision or
misunderstanding. I had now found such a position, for on examining the
water-hole I felt satisfied that it might be depended upon for ten days
or a fortnight, whilst the grass in its neighbourhood although dry was
abundant. Wishing, however, to penetrate the ranges by the gap through
which the creek issued from them, I still thought it advisable to
prosecute my intended journey up it. Accordingly on the 24th we mounted
our horses and rode towards the hills. A little above where we had slept
we passed a small junction from the westward, and at 7 miles entered the
gap, the Coonbaralba, on the bearing of which we had run across the
plains, being on our right. We had already passed several small
water-holes, but at the entrance of the gap passed some larger ones in
which the water was brackish, and these had the appearance of being
permanent. Topar had shewn much indignation at our going on, and
constantly remonstrated with us as we were riding along; however, we saw
two young native dogs about a third grown, after which he bounded with
incredible swiftness, but when they saw him they started off also. It was
soon evident, that both were doomed to destruction, his speed being
greater that that of the young brutes, for he ra