As I imagined, Gregory’s party had traced the Thomson River to its head.  I did not suppose this river was it.  I determined, as we had used the most of our stores, to leave the river if possible and start for the settled districts.  It was very vexatious to come to this resolution as the river was flowing almost in the direction of Burke’s starting point on Cooper’s Creek.  We left Camp 44 at 9.50 a.m. and reached the place we had arranged to meet the blacks in about fourteen miles.  It took us, travelling steadily exclusive of stoppages, five hours to reach it.  The blacks were waiting for us and conducted us about half a mile further down the river to a good place for our encampment.  I gave a pound of flour to one of the blackfellows.  He is going tomorrow on foot to see if there is water in the waterholes on the road to Barcoo River.  Jemmy made flour into a cake and the blackfellow and his companions ate it with avidity.  I gave the blacks a comb, and Jackey pleased them very much by combing their hair.

April 11.

Two of the blacks started this morning along the line they intend taking us if they can find water for the first stage.  I spent a considerable time in repairing my sextant.  I got it so near right that the index error was only four minutes, but after fastening it with a thread I found the error was increased.  This evening the blacks returned and reported that the waterholes they had gone to see were empty.  They told us of two practicable roads to the Barcoo River.  One by Stark Creek from a place up the river, the other from a place down the river; the latter we determined to try.

April 12.

We left Camp 45 at 8.30.  Two of the blacks accompanied us down the river to show us the road to the Barcoo River.  At first they walked, but afterwards I gave them a horse to ride alternately.  The oldest of the two liked riding so much better than walking that he made his young companion walk the most of the way.  When we had come about thirteen miles we encamped.  About a mile above here we passed some blacks whom our guides stopped with.  Afterwards the eldest of the blackfellows came in the evening for some flour for himself and his companions.  The country we have seen since leaving 44 Camp has undulating features but no hills.  The soil rich, but vegetation dry from want of rain.  We came he today on the following courses:  11 west-south-west six and a quarter miles; 1.20 south-west two and three-quarter miles; 2.50 south-south-west four miles to camp.

April 13.  Camp 46.

46 Camp is situated near the eastern channel of the river.  The marked trees are on the left bank.  We are glad to find that one of our guides, who was named Wittin, had determined to accompany us.  He brought an intelligent-looking white-headed old man to the camp, and a fine tall well-proportioned young gin with a little boy, the two latter remaining some distance from the camp.  Wittin showed his