Advantage of aboriginal names on maps. 
Excursion with Mr. Cunningham. 
Effects of a hurricane in the forest. 
Encamp without water. 
Natives leave the party. 
Cattle distressed for want of water. 
Mr. Cunningham missing. 
Desperate search for water. 
At length find water on reaching by night the river Bogan. 
Encamp on this river.

ASCEND THE CANOBOLAS.

April 6.

Accompanied by two men carrying barometers and my theodolite I ascended the mountain of the Canobolas, distant from Buree about twelve miles.  I was desirous of connecting the map of our intended journey with that summit because it is a prominent point in my general survey of the colony.  It also commands an extensive view towards the country we were about to explore; indeed the course of streams and direction of ranges within thirty-five miles around this mass seemed only subordinate features.  The height of the mountain above the sea is, according to my observations, 4461,6 feet, which is much higher than any of the Blue Mountains.  I sought in vain on their azure horizon in the east for the many summits which I had ascended there; but could distinguish none save Mount Lachlan, the position of which, having been well fixed, was however sufficient for my purpose.  From this elevated group of the Canobolas a chain of heights of primary rocks extended into the interior; and the base of the chain appeared to increase in width towards the west, as far as the rivers on each side of it had been explored.  These were the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee on the south, and the Macquarie, Bogan, and Darling on the north.

CHOOSE THE DIRECTION OF MY ROUTE.

I considered this high ground would afford the safest line of route in the winter season to the low interior country; while the heights would also enable me to extend my survey westward with more accuracy, as far as they could be seen on this journey.  From the summit I carefully intersected every prominent point on the western horizon; and I chose for the direction of my future route that part which, while it appeared to be in continuation of the most elevated ground, yet had openings between summits through which I judged the party might pass.  To the southward I already beheld Mr. Oxley’s various hills, rising like so many islands, from the otherwise level country on the Lachlan; and far in the north-west the level blue horizon exactly resembled an open sea; while to the westward the line of vision was broken by the summits of Croker’s and Harvey’s ranges.  After a careful reconnaissance of these and other still more distant features the country seemed to me most favourable for a passage on the bearing of 60 degrees west of north.  In that direction therefore I resolved to proceed; trusting that He, who led Israel like a flock, would guide and direct our little party through the Australian wilderness before us.

ASCEND THE HILL NORTH OF BUREE.