of "Bauhinia Plains." Their width back from the
river extended to an average of six miles, when they were bounded by
low well-grassed iron-bark ridges. The river was broad and sandy,
running in two or three channels, and occasionally spreading into
long reaches. Large ana-branches, plentifully watered, left the main
channel running back from it from 1 to 3 miles. A great many fishing
weirs were observed in the channels of the river, from which it would
appear that the blacks live much, if not principally, on fish. They
were well and neatly constructed. (Camp IX.)

'September' 12.--Alexander Jardine, having now travelled 180 miles
from Carpentaria Downs, was convinced that the river he had traced
this distance could not be the Lynd of Leichhardt. The reasons which
forced this conclusion on him were three:--Firstly, the discription
of the country in no wise tallied. Secondly, the course of the river
differed. And thirdly, although he had travelled further to the west
than Leichhardt's junction of the Lynd and Mitchell, he had not even
been on Mitchell waters, the northern watershed he had been on, on
the 10th, being that of a small creek, doubling on itself, and
running into this river. Having thus set the matter at rest in his
own mind, he determined to re-trace his steps, and accordingly
started back this morning and camped at night at the shallow lagoon,
passed the day previous. On the way they shot several ducks and a
bustard. These are very numerous on the plains, but wild and
unapproachable, as they most frequently are in the north. At each
camp on his journey Mr. Jardine regularly marked a tree A.J. and the
number of the Camp.

'September' 13.--The party travelled back over Bauhinia Plains, and
camped on the river, near camp 8 of the outward journey. At night
they went fishing, and got a number of fine perch, and a small
spotted fish. Distance 24 miles.

'September' 14.--To-day the party saw blacks for the first time
since leaving Carpentaria Downs. They "rounded them up," and had a
parley, without hostility on either side, each being on the
defensive, and observing the other. They bore no distinctive
character, or apparent difference to the Rockhampton tribes, and were
armed with reed speers and wommerahs. For the first time also they
met with the ripe fruit of the Palinaria, the "Nonda" of Leichhardt.
The distance travelled was 27 miles, which brought them to the 7th
camp on the outward jou