of the waggons much better during the winter season than the thin and loose soil on the sides of hills; apparently because this lay on rock, or a substratum so tenacious as to support the water in or just under the surface.  The wheels and also the feet of the cattle sunk at once to this rocky subsoil whatever its depth, and up came the water, so that on level parts our track resembled a ditch of mud and water, and on slopes it formed a current of water and a drain from the sides of hills.  I had observed the plains during my reconnaissance of the interior from the side of Mount William, and I now directed our course towards them.  We crossed without difficulty the little river by the passage Mr. Stapylton had prepared during my absence and, after travelling about four miles first west and then north-west, we came upon an extensive plain.  The soil consisted of good strong clay on which the cattle travelled very well, and it was covered with the best kind of grass.  On reaching it I resumed my former course which was nearly west-south-west towards Mount Zero, a name I applied to a remarkable cone at the western extremity of the chain of mountains.  After travelling 2 1/2 miles over the plain we again reached the banks of Richardson’s creek, and forded it after some delay and considerable difficulty on account of the softness of the bottom.  We next entered on a tract of grassy forest land, the trees being chiefly box and casuarinae.  At 2 1/2 miles beyond Richardson’s creek we crossed a small run of water flowing west-north-west, apparently towards it.  After passing over similar ground for some miles further and having had another plain on our right, we at length encamped near a large serpentine pond or lake which was broad, deep, and bordered with lofty gum trees.

July 18.

We continued for five miles along good firm ground on which there was open forest of box and gumtrees; and part of the bold outline of the Grampians appeared to our left.

THE WIMMERA.

At nine miles we fell in with a flowing stream, the water being deep and nearly as high as the banks.  I did not doubt that this was the channel of the waters from the north side of these mountains, and I was convinced that it contained the water of all the streams we had crossed on our way to Mount William, with the exception of Richardson’s creek, already crossed by the party where it was flowing to the north-west.  The richness of the soil and the verdure near the river, as well as the natural beauty of the scenery could scarcely be surpassed in any country.  The banks were in some places open and grassy and shaded by lofty yarra trees, in others mimosa bushes nodded over the eddying stream.

Continuing along the right bank in a north-west direction we travelled two miles on a grassy plain; and we then turned towards the river, encamping on its banks in latitude 36 degrees 46 minutes 30 seconds South, longitude 142 degrees 39 minutes 25 seconds East.  Magnetic variation 5 degrees 21 minutes 45 seconds East.