however we were satisfied that the depot was safe, and this fact relieved me from much anxiety.  We had still to cross that creek or ana-branch which apparently supplies the lake, although it was then still dry.  I had observed that such ana-branches* were deepest at the lower mouths, as if the river floods entered first there and flowed upwards; although before the river reached its maximum a strong current would probably set downwards in the same channel, which would thus become at last a branch of the main stream.

RETURN TO THE DEPOT.

We reached our former camp on the Murray by 3 P.M., and once more pitched our tents on the bank of this river.  By comparing its height, as measured formerly, with as much of it as remained above the waters, I found that it had risen eight feet and a half.  We were then within a short day’s journey of the depot but anxious enough still to know if it were safe.

June 10.

We started early and, by crossing a small plain, cut off half a mile of our former route.  When within a few miles of the camp of Mr. Stapylton we heard a shot, and soon discovered that it was fired by one of the men (Webb) rather a mauvais sujet, who had been transgressing rules by firing at a duck.  We learnt from him however the agreeable news that the depot had not been disturbed.

GREAT RISE IN THE WATERS OF THE MURRAY.

It was now cut off from us by a deep stream which filled the creek it overlooked and which flowed with a considerable current towards the Murray, having also filled Lake Stapylton to the brim.

SECURITY OF THE DEPOT.

Mr. Stapylton and his party were well; and during the whole time that we had been absent the natives had never approached his camp.  Such singular good fortune was more than I could reasonably have expected, and my satisfaction was complete when I again met Stapylton and saw the party once more united.  The little native Ballandella’s leg was fast uniting, the mother having been unremitting in her care of the child.  Good grass had also been found so that the cattle had become quite fresh and indeed looked well.

SURROUNDED BY INUNDATIONS.  CROSS TO IT IN A BARK CANOE MADE BY TOMMY CAME-LAST.

I was ferried over Stapylton’s creek in a bark canoe by Tommy Came-last who also, by the same simple means, soon conveyed every article of equipment and the rest of the party across to the depot camp.

We had now got through the most unpromising part of our task.  We had penetrated the Australian Hesperides, although the golden fruit was still to be sought.  We had accomplished so much however, with only half the party, that nothing seemed impossible with the whole; and to trace the Murray upwards and explore the unknown regions beyond it was a charming undertaking when we had at length bid adieu forever to the dreary banks of the Darling.

SEARCH FOR THE JUNCTION OF THE MURRUMBIDGEE AND MURRAY.