‘February’ 13.—­The lost cattle were found to-day, the jerking of the meat finished, and preparations for a final start on the morrow completed.  The unfortunate horses were in such wretched condition, that it was found necessary to lighten the loads to the Settlement.  Four pack-saddles, two police saddles, and the two belonging to the Brothers were therefore abandoned, with the remainder of the odds and ends.  The prospect before them was not very bright.  With no provision save jerked meat, and with knocked-up horses, they were starting on a journey of at least 100 miles, when their destination was not more than 30 miles away from them. they hoped to head the bend of the river they were on (having reverted to the opinion that it was the Escape), without knowing how far beyond the lowest point of their first exploration this turning-point might be, or what obstructions might be a-head of them.  On the other hand, the whole of the party were without sickness, and they had plenty of cattle to eat.

‘February’ 14.—­A final start was made this morning from camp 82, of dreary memory, after a good deal of trouble in packing, choosing and rejecting what was too heavy or useless, and the other delays attendant on the breaking up of an established camp.  The river was followed for 11 miles with the usual amount of bogging and difficulty, in crossing the small trench-like creeks already mentioned.  In one of these they were compelled to abandon another horse (Tabinga).  The poor brute fell in trying to cross, and when pulled out and set on his legs was too weak to stand.  He had to be left, therefore, saddle and all.  Another (Pussy) having died at the last camp, their number was now reduced to thirteen.  Their loads were reduced to the slightest possible, and consisted merely of the jerked meat, the ammunition, and swags of the party.  Distance 11 miles. (Camp LXXXIII.)

‘February’ 15.—­A gloomy morning with light showers, 10 miles were accomplished to-day.  Three hours were consumed in crossing one of the boggy gullies.  Every horse had to be unpacked, and half of them had to be pulled across with ropes.  The pack of another horse (Lady Scott) had to be abandoned.  She was too weak to carry even the empty saddle.  The camp was pitched in the angle formed by the large creek running into the river just below the gunyah camp of their first trip, mentioned January 30th. (Camp LXXXIV.)

‘February’ 16.—­The Eliot was reached to-day 8 miles from the camp.  It had fallen considerably, but was still too high to allow of crossing without taking off the packs.  It was about thirty yards wide, and running clear, about five feet deep, where the party crossed.  The camp was pitched on the main stream two miles further, making a total of 10 miles for the day’s journey. (Camp LXXXV.  Nonda.)