party was in a
level flooded country, without a rise that they knew of within fifty
miles, and that the rains of the last ten days portended the breaking
up the dry season.

'November' 24.--This morning Frank Jardine went out with Eulah, and
succeded in finding 5 more of the horses, scattered all over the
country, their hobbles broken, and as wild as hawks. He sent Eulah
along the tracks of the last two, who were evidently not far ahead,
and brought the others in himself. These two "Cerebus" and "Creamy,"
were the best and fattest of the pack-horses. Their loss would have
made a serious addition to the loads of the remainder, who had
already to share 400lbs. Extra in consequence of the poisoning of the
three already lost. Whilst waiting for and expecting their arrival
every hour, the different members of the party amused themselves as
best they might by fishing, opossum, sugar-bag hunting, and nonda
gathering. The monotony of the camp was also broken by a little
grumbling, consequent on an order from the Leader against the opening
of the next week's ration bag. The party had, during the halt
consumed a week's rations a day and a-half too soon, hence the order,
which was a wise precaution. The rations were calculated with care
to last through the journey, but, unless a restriction had been
placed on the consumption, this could not be hoped for. But it is
difficult to reason with hungry men.

'November' 25.--Another day passed without finding the two missing
horses. Sambo and Eulah were sent out in quest of them, but returned
unsuccessful, giving it, as their opinion that "blackfella bin 'perim
'longa 'crub." Peter and Barney were then despatched with orders to
camp out that night and look for them all next day. A steer having
been killed last night, the day was passed in jerking him. The day
was very unpropitious as there had been a shower of rain in the
morning, and there was no sun, so it had to be smoked with manure in
one of the tents. What with the mosquitoes and sand-flies, men,
horses, and cattle were kept in a continual fever. The horses would
not leave the smoke of the fires, the cattle would not remain on the
camp, and the men could get no rest at night for the mosquitoes,
whilst during the day the flies were in myriads, and a small species
of gad-fly, particularly savage and troublesome. Another source of
annoyance was from the flocks of crows and kites, the latter ('Milvus
Affinis') are des