MACADAM range.

A remarkable change here occurred in the character of the country, the hills being now composed of a white, and very compact kind of sandstone.  In the cliffs the strata were very marked, dipping to the South-East at an angle of about thirty degrees with the horizon.  The base and sides of these heights were thickly strewn with small fragments of sandstone.  The appearance presented was precisely similar to that of a new road, after it had undergone the improving process invented by Mr. McAdam, in whose honour, therefore, we named this McAdam Range.

A large light-coloured kangaroo was the only living thing we saw.  A short green-looking grass was thinly sprinkled over the country, imparting a freshness to it, which, in contrast with the aridity that had of late surrounded us, was quite delightful.

Crossing the flat on returning to the boat, I was much struck by one particular spot on the border of a creek.  I came suddenly upon a number of flat stones placed in rows, one upon the other.  Though altogether covering about ten yards of ground, there was no appearance of any shape in their arrangement.  I am still puzzled, to determine whether they were merely the results of childish amusement, or had performed their part in some magical incantation or religious ceremony of the natives.  I am the more inclined to think it was the latter, as there was a native grave near, covered with the same kind of flat stones, to the height of about three feet.  We had not before observed anything like it, neither did we afterwards.  Several flights of large curlews were seen passing over the boat, and resting on the flats in its neighbourhood.  Whilst endeavouring to procure some of them, I was placed in a sufficiently awkward position, running the risk of becoming myself a fresh meal instead of procuring one.

Narrow escape from an alligator.

I had stripped to swim across a creek, and with gun in hand was stealthily crawling to the outer edge of the flat where my intended victims were, when an alligator rose close by, bringing his unpleasant countenance much nearer than was agreeable.  My gun was charged with shot, and the primitive state of nudity to which I had just reduced myself, precluded the possibility of my having a second load.  To fire therefore was useless, and to retreat difficult, for I had wandered from the boat some distance across the bank, on which the water was fast rising.  Thought, there was no time for, and before my companions could have reached me, the tide would have flooded the place sufficiently to enable the alligator to attack me at a disadvantage.  My only chance of escaping the monster was to hasten back to the boat, and to cross the last creek before the alligator, who appeared fully aware of my intentions.  It was now, therefore, a mere matter of speed between us, and the race began.  I started off with the utmost rapidity, the alligator keeping pace with me