‘November’ 29.—­Keeping a south-west course, so as to strike it lower down, the cattle were again taken on to the river, which they reached in about nine miles; then travelling about another mile down its banks, encamped.  These were now decidedly more open, and the country generally improved.  The same strip of soft sandy flat about half-a-mile wide continued, but better grassed, although the spear grass was far too common.  Bloodwood, stringy-bark, applegum and acacia timbered the north bank; whilst on the south, tea-tree flats, covered with spinifex, ran close down to the bed, the bank itself being of red clay.  Two channels, together making a width of about 300 yards, formed the bed, which was sandy, and held very little water on the surface.  No large trees occurred, save now and then a vagrant nonda.  Another cow was lost to-day, and “Lottie,” a favorite terrier, was missing.  The latitude of Camp 31 was supposed to be 16 degrees 31 minutes 53 seconds, but doubtful.

‘November’ 30.—­The river was followed down to-day for 11 miles.  It was very winding and irregular in its width.  At the camp it was only 60 yards wide and running in one channel, whilst a mile above, it measured nearly 400.  Its general course was nearly west.  The creek which is formed by the lagoons, on which the party were so long detained was crossed at about nine-and-a-half miles.  The country at its junction is flooded for a long distance back, and the river bed sandy and thickly timbered.  Although the country generally had decidedly improved, inasmuch as that it was more open, devoid of scrub, and the box flats on the river extending further back on each side, it was by no means good.  The flats were very scantily grassed, chiefly with sour water grasses and spinifex, and shewed by the flood marks that they must be quite impassable during floods or wet weather.  The dreary tea-tree levels might be seen in glimpses through the white box of the flats extending far beyond.  Several small swamps were passed during the day, on which ducks and other water-fowl were very numerous, the stately native companion stalking near the margins.  The large funnel ant-hills occurred from 2 to 15 feet high.  The Fitzroy wallaby was plentiful, and the Leader shot an emeu.  Some large flights of white ibis, and slate-colored pigeons passed high overhead, flying north, which might be a good indication.  Peter was sent back to seek for Lottie, but returned in the evening unsuccessful.

‘December’ 1.—­Maramie Creek was crossed this morning at its junction with the river, into which it flows in two channels, about 60 or 70 miles from the point where the brothers first struck it on the 12th of November, while searching for a road to the northward.  Its total width is about 120 yards.  The general course of the river was slightly to the north of west, but very winding, some of its reaches extended for nearly four miles.  Numerous ana-branches occurred, the flats