Remarks on the present work; deliverance from dangers.

It only remains for me to refer the reader to the concluding chapter of the preceding volume, for such general information as I have been enabled to furnish upon the nature of the services on which I was employed, and on the manner of conducting similar expeditions.  Indeed, I trust that this book (whatever be its defects) will be found to contain much valuable information of a practical character, and I may venture to affirm, that it will give a true description of the country, and of the various other subjects of which it treats.

Notwithstanding that I have in my dedication alluded to the causes that prevented the earlier appearance of this work, I feel it due both to myself and the public here to state, that during these expeditions my health had suffered so much, that I was unable to bear up against the effects of exposure, bodily labour, poverty of diet, and the anxiety of mind to which I was subjected.  A residence on Norfolk Island, under peculiarly harassing circumstances, completed that which the above causes had commenced; and, after a succession of attacks, I became totally blind, and am still unable either to read what I pen, or to venture abroad without an attendant.  When it is recollected, that I have been unassisted in this work in any one particular, I hope some excuse will be found for its imperfections.  A wish to contribute to the public good led me to undertake those journeys which have cost me so much.  The same feeling actuates me in recording their results; and I have the satisfaction to know, that my path among a large and savage population was a bloodless one; and that my intercourse with them was such as to lessen the danger to future adventurers upon such hazardous enterprises, and to give them hope where I had so often despaired.  Something more powerful, than human foresight or human prudence, appeared to avert the calamities and dangers with which I and my companions were so frequently threatened; and had it not been for the guidance and protection we received from the Providence of that good and all-wise Being to whose care we committed ourselves, we should, ere this, have ceased to rank among the number of His earthly creatures.

CHAPTER II.

Commencement of the expedition in November, 1829.—­Joined by Mr. George M’Leay—­Appearance of the party—­Breadalbane Plains—­Hospitality of Mr. O’Brien—­Yass Plains—­Hill of Pouni—­Path of a hurricane—­Character of the country between Underaliga and the Morumbidgee—­Appearance of that river—­ Junction of the Dumot with it—­Crossing and recrossing—­Geological character and general aspect of the country—­Plain of Pondebadgery—­Few natives seen.