They were unable to detect the plant which was doing so much mischief, which must be somewhat plentiful in this part of the country.  Leichhardt mentions (page 293) the loss of Murphy’s pony on the Lynd, which was found on the sands, “with its body blown up, and bleeding from the nostrils.”  Similar symptoms showed themselves in the case of the horses of this expedition, proving pretty clearly that the deaths were caused by some noxious plant. (Camp XXIII.)

‘November’ 17.—­The course was continued down Cockburn Creek.  At six miles a large stream runs in from the S.E. which was supposed to be Byerley Creek.  This however is only an assumption, and not very probable, as it will be remembered that when the brothers struck it on the 1st November, 40 miles below camp 15, they were surprised to find it trending toward the south.  It is not improbable that it may run into the sea between the Staaten and Gilbert.  This problem can only be solved when the country gets more occupied, or some explorer traces the Staaten in its whole length.  Below this junction Cockburn Creek is from 200 to 300 yards wide, running in many channels, but under the surface.  The country is flat and poorly grassed, a low sandy ridge occasionally running into the creek.  The timber is bloodwood, string-bark, tea-tree, nonda, and acacia.  The party camped 5 miles further down; poor “Marion” being now past all hope of recovery had to be abandoned.  Three cows that calved at camp 22 were sent for and brought up.  They were kept safely all night, but during the morning watch, were allowed to escape by Barney.  At this camp (XXIV.) Scrutton was bitten in two or three places by a scorpion, without however any very severe effects.

‘November’ 18.—­Cockburn Creek, now an important stream was followed down for four miles, when it formed a junction with the Staaten.  The width of the main stream is about 400 yards, in many channels sandy and dry.  It now runs generally west and very winding.  The country and timber were much as before described, with the exception that a mile back from the river, (a chain of lagoons) generally occurs, some of them being large and deep and covered with lilies.  Beyond, a waste of sandy tea-tree levels, thickly covered with triodia or spinifex, and other desert grasses.  The green tree ant was very numerous, particularly in the nonda trees, where they form their nests.  The birds were also very numerous, large flocks of black cockatoos, cockatoo parrots, galaas, budgerygars or grass parrots (’Melopsittacus Undulatus, Gould’), and some grey quail were frequently seen, and on one of the lagoons a solitary snipe was found.  Another cow was abandoned to-day.  The total day’s stage was 8 miles.  The party camped in the sandy bed of the river.  A little rain was experienced at night. (Camp XXV.) Latitude 16 degrees 32 minutes 14 seconds.