on their jaded horses, the Leader determined on abandoning the idea of bringing the cattle by the line they had traversed, and turning south and by west made for the river they had left in the morning, intending to ascertain if it would be the better route for the cattle, and if not, to let them travel down the supposed Lynd (which now received the name of Byerley Creek), on which they were to rendezvous.  After travelling 16 miles further on the new bearing, they camped without water, being unable to reach the large creek they had camped on the previous night.  The country along the last course was of the same description, low, sandy, string-bark, and tea-tree ridges, without a vestige of water; total distance 38 miles.

‘November’ 1.—­Making another early start, and steering S.W. by S., the party reached the creek in four miles, and getting a copious drink for themselves and their thirsty horses, breakfasted off some “opossums and rubbish” they got out of a black’s camp.  The stream was 100 yards wide, and well-watered, a great relief after their arid journey of yesterday:  large rocks of sandstone occurred inits bed in different places.  Crossing it, they followed down its left bank for 8 miles, its trend being N.W., then turning their back on it, they steered due south to strike Byerley Creek.  Sixteen miles of weary travelling over wretched barren country brought them to a small sandy creek, on which they camped, procuring water for their horses by digging in its bed.  Here they made a supper of the lightest, their rations being exhausted, and “turned in” somewhat disgusted with the gloomy prospect for the progress of the cattle.  They again met with the nonda of Leichhardt, and ate of its ripe fruit, which is best when found dry under the trees.  Its taste is described as like that of a boiled mealy potatoe.

‘November’ 2.—­Continuing on the same course, due south for 18 miles, over the same useless country, the party reached Byerley Creek, striking it at a point 32 miles below the Rendezvous Camp, then turning up its course they followed it for 16 miles, to their hunting camp of the 26th October.  Here they camped and made what they deemed a splendid supper off an oppossum, an iguana, and four cod-fish, the result of their day’s sport.  Total distance travelled 28 miles.

‘November’ 3.—­Following up the creek for 16 miles, the party reached the main camp on the lagoons early in the day.  Here they found all right, with the exception that most of the party were suffering from different stages of sandy-blight, or ophthalmia.  A calf was killed, and the hungry vanguard were solaced with a good feed of veal.  Byerley Creek having been found utterly destitute of grass, badly watered, and moreover trending ultimately to the S. of W., the Leader determined to take the cattle on to the next, which was well watered, having some feed on it, and being on the right course.  There were, however, two long stages without water;