We followed this channel up for some distance in the expectation of finding water in the deep holes along its bed, in one of which we discovered a native well, but which was quite dry.

Seeing after a time there was no prospect of procuring water by following this course, I left the channel and proceeded in a south to south-east direction, and (being advised by Jemmy) and having neither water nor provisions with us, determined on returning back, seeing no probability of obtaining water in the character of country through with we were travelling.  On our return we made the channel before mentioned several miles to the north, which we followed down, and it brought us into the Gregory, about four miles above our camp.  Distance travelled about thirty miles.

...

Friday December 6.  Camp Number 15.

Fisherman and I left camp this morning to go in search of water.  At 9.50 a.m. made three-quarters of a mile south to Fullarton Creek.  At 10.15 made one mile south up the creek.  At 10.43 made one mile south up the creek.  At 10.50 made a quarter of a mile south-east.  At 11.8 made a quarter of a mile north.  At 11.15 made a quarter of a mile east.  At 11.35 made a quarter of a mile east, general course of creek.  At 11.40 made a quarter of a mile south-east.  At 11.50 made half a mile south.  At 12.7 p.m. made three-quarters of a mile south.  At 12.52 made two miles south.  At 1.18 made one mile south by east, to a plain with tableland of the richest soil, and with grasses of the most fattening nature, but which at this time are old and dry.  This tableland I have named Barkly Plains, after His Excellency Sir Henry Barkly.  At 1.26 made a quarter of a mile south by east three miles and three-quarters south to plains, to reach which we crossed barren ridges with gullies, having an easterly course.  To the south-west not a tree was to be seen.  At 3.37 made two miles and a quarter south, with which course we skirt the left edge of Barkly Plains.  Stopped here and had some dinner.  Started again at 4.15.  At 4.30 p.m. made one mile south where Fisherman shot and dressed an emu.  At 5.23 we started again.  At 5.40 made three-quarters of a mile south-south-east to a watercourse which I have named Pratt Creek.  At 5.45 made a quarter of a mile south-east down the creek to water.  Proceeded about one mile further, and then returned about halfway to where we encamped (compare with 7th December).  The grass in this neighbourhood is good, excepting of course on the ridges, which are barren and covered with triodia.  The creek has been recently flooded, and has remaining in it, I hope, sufficient water to last us until we find more permanent water to which we can proceed.  I think that watercourses do exist, both to the right and left of the plain, from the general appearance of the country running parallel to the plains.

Saturday 7th December.