a basaltic plateau, terminating in precipitous banks on the river,
averaging 50 feet in perpendicular height. To avoid the stones on
either side, there being no choice between the two, the party
travelled down the bed of Parallel Creek the whole day. At about 9
miles stringy bark appeared on the ridges of the north bank. Large
flocks of cockatoo parrots ('Nymphicus Nov. Holl.') were seen during
the day, and a "plant" of native spears was found. They were neatly
made, jagged at the head with wallaby bones, and intended for
throwing in the Wommerah or throwing stick. At the end of 20 miles
the party reached the junction of Parallel Creek with the river and
encamped. The general course was about N.W. (Camp IV.)

'September' 7.--The party was now happily clear of the basaltic
country, but the travelling was still none of the best, the first
nine miles of to-day's stage being over stony ridges of quartz and
iron-stone, interspersed with small, sandy, river flats. At this
distance a large creek of running water was crossed, and the camp
pitched at about two miles from its junction with the Einasleih. The
creek received the name of Galaa Creek, in allusion to the galaa or
rose cockatoo ('Cacatua Rosea'), large flocks of which were
frequently seen. The junction of Galaa Creek is remarkable for two
porphyritic rock islands, situated in the bed of the river, which is
here sandy, well watered, and about 300 yards wide. The grass was
very scarce, having been recently burned. The timber chiefly
iron-bark and box. Course N.W. 1/2 W., distance 10 miles (Camp V.)

'September' 8.--To-day the river was followed down over low broken
stony ranges, having their crests covered with "garrawan" scrub for 5
miles, when the party was gratified by an agreable change in the
features of the country. Instead of the alternative of broken
country, stony ridges, or basaltic plains they had toiled over for
nearly 80 miles, they now emerged on to fine open well-grassed river
flats, lightly timbered, and separated by small spurs of ridges
running into them. A chain of small lagoons was passed at 12 miles,
teeming with black duck, teal, wood duck, and pigmy geese, whilst
pigeons and other birds were frequent in the open timber, a sure
indication of good country. At 13 miles a small creek was crossed,
and another at 18, and after having made a good stage of 25 miles the
party again camped on the Einasleih. At this point it had increased