plant. (Camp XXIII.)

'November' 17.--The course was continued down Cockburn Creek. At
six miles a large stream runs in from the S.E. which was supposed to
be Byerley Creek. This however is only an assumption, and not very
probable, as it will be remembered that when the brothers struck it
on the 1st November, 40 miles below camp 15, they were surprised to
find it trending toward the south. It is not improbable that it may
run into the sea between the Staaten and Gilbert. This problem can
only be solved when the country gets more occupied, or some explorer
traces the Staaten in its whole length. Below this junction Cockburn
Creek is from 200 to 300 yards wide, running in many channels, but
under the surface. The country is flat and poorly grassed, a low
sandy ridge occasionally running into the creek. The timber is
bloodwood, string-bark, tea-tree, nonda, and acacia. The party
camped 5 miles further down; poor "Marion" being now past all hope of
recovery had to be abandoned. Three cows that calved at camp 22 were
sent for and brought up. They were kept safely all night, but during
the morning watch, were allowed to escape by Barney. At this camp
(XXIV.) Scrutton was bitten in two or three places by a scorpion,
without however any very severe effects.

'November' 18.--Cockburn Creek, now an important stream was
followed down for four miles, when it formed a junction with the
Staaten. The width of the main stream is about 400 yards, in many
channels sandy and dry. It now runs generally west and very winding.
The country and timber were much as before described, with the
exception that a mile back from the river, (a chain of lagoons)
generally occurs, some of them being large and deep and covered with
lilies. Beyond, a waste of sandy tea-tree levels, thickly covered
with triodia or spinifex, and other desert grasses. The green tree
ant was very numerous, particularly in the nonda trees, where they
form their nests. The birds were also very numerous, large flocks of
black cockatoos, cockatoo parrots, galaas, budgerygars or grass
parrots ('Melopsittacus Undulatus, Gould'), and some grey quail were
frequently seen, and on one of the lagoons a solitary snipe was
found. Another cow was abandoned to-day. The total day's stage was
8 miles. The party camped in the sandy bed of the river. A little
rain was experienced at night. (Camp XXV.) Latitude 16 degrees 32
minutes 14 seconds.

'November' 19.--The