n which renders barren so large a
proportion of the surface of New South Wales. This, in many parts,
resembles what was formerly called the iron-sand of England, where it
occurs both as a fresh and saltwater formation. The mountains northward
of this valley of the Hunter consist chiefly of trap-rock, the lower
country being open, and lightly wooded. The river, although occasionally
stagnant, contains a permanent supply of water, and consequently the
whole of the land on its banks, is favourable for the location of
settlers, and accordingly has been all taken up. The country, and
especially the hills beyond the left bank, affords excellent pasturage
for sheep, as many large and thriving establishments testify. At one of
this description, belonging to Mr. Blaxland, and which is situated on the
bank of the Lower Wollombi, Mr. White and I arrived towards evening, and
passed the night.

November 28.

We left the hospitable station of Mr. Blaxland at an early hour, and
proceeded on our way to join the party. We found the country across which
we rode, very much parched from the want of rain. The grass was
everywhere yellow, or burnt up, and in many parts on fire, so that the
smoke which arose from it obscured the sun, and added sensibly to the
heat of the atmosphere.

We lost ourselves, and, consequently, a good portion of the day, from
having rode too carelessly through the forest country, while engaged in
conversation respecting the intended journey. We nevertheless reached the
place of rendezvous on Foy Brook long before night, and I encamped on a
spot where the whole party was to join me in the morning. Mr. White left
me here for the purpose of making some arrangements at home, and
respecting the supplies which I had calculated on obtaining in this part
of the country.

VALLEY OF THE HUNTER.

During the day's route, we traversed the valley of the river Hunter, an
extensive tract of country, different from that mountainous region from
which I had descended, inasmuch as it consists of low undulating land,
thinly wooded, and bearing, in most parts, a good crop of grass.

Portions of the surface near Mr. Blaxland's establishment, bore that
peculiar, undulating character which appears in the southern districts,
where it closely resembles furrows, and is termed ploughed ground. This
appearance usually indicates a good soil, which is either of a red or
very dark colour, and in which small portions of trap-rock, but more
f