Inconvenient halting place.

Almost immediately after they had entered the camp the rain began to fall in such torrents that it was impossible for us to move; this was unfortunate for where we were halted was unfit for a day’s resting-place, and we should consequently be compelled to move on Sunday morning instead of making it a day of perfect rest.  The point where the party made the river today was about south latitude 15 degrees 41 minutes; east longitude 124 degrees 53 minutes.

CHAPTER 9.  TO THE UPPER GLENELG.

Works of native industry.

March 11.

The country we traversed this morning was still marshy, and intersected by deep streams.  The party had yesterday fixed upon a point for us to encamp at; but, a sudden inundation having taken place, we could not cross a stream which lay between us and the spot selected, so that we were compelled about noon to halt at a position very ill adapted for our purpose.

Various traces of natives.

Close to our camp was a large mass of basaltic rocks, on which the natives had lately been, and had left behind them a few old spears:  some drawings were also scratched upon the rocks, representing heads, hands, and other parts of the human frame:  they were however indifferently executed.

Another branch of industry which had engaged their attention was the manufacture of stone spearheads, the chips and remnants of which were lying about on every side.  As this looked very like a preparation to give us a warm reception I kept upon the alert.  From constantly sleeping on the wet ground, and the exposure I was obliged to undergo, such an attack of rheumatism had been produced in my left hip and knee that I was not only crippled but suffered such dreadful agony from my wounded limb that I was able to pay but little attention to passing events.

I crept about however as well as I could, and found that we were in a very populous neighbourhood.  At one place a large party of natives appeared to have lived for some time, twelve bark beds having been left in a circle round a fire.  In this respect they differ in custom from the natives of the southern parts of Australia, who generally sleep all of a heap, or, at least, four or five persons together, whereas each individual here appeared to occupy his own little bark bed.  In the course of the morning’s march we had passed a very neat native oven, or fireplace, much more carefully constructed than anything of the kind I have since seen; it consisted of a hole sunk eight inches deep in the earth, which was quite circular, three feet in diameter, and very neatly paved and lined with flat stones; the last article cooked here had been a large quantity of turtles’ eggs, the remnants of which were lying scattered all around.  This is a dish by no means to be despised; and the discovery was rather interesting to me as it proved that turtle came so far up the river.  It rained hard during the greater part of the day.