I saw clearly indeed that there was no help for this measure.  We had penetrated to a point at which water and feed had both failed.  Spinifex and a new species of mesembryanthemum, with light pink flowers on a slender stalk, were the only plants growing in that wilderness, if I except a few withered acacia trees about four feet high.  The spinifex was close and matted, and the horses were obliged to lift their feet straight up to avoid its sharp points.  From the summit of a sandy undulation close upon our right, we saw that the ridges extended northwards in parallel lines beyond the range of vision, and appeared as if interminable.  To the eastward and westward they succeeded each other like the waves of the sea.  The sand was of a deep red colour, and a bright narrow line of it marked the top of each ridge, amidst the sickly pink and glaucous coloured vegetation around.  I fear I have already wearied the reader by a description of such scenes, but he may form some idea of the one now placed before him, when I state, that, familiar as we had been to such, my companion involuntarily uttered an exclamation of amazement when he first glanced his eye over it.  “Good Heavens,” said he, “did ever man see such country!” Indeed, if it was not so gloomy, it was more difficult than the Stony Desert itself; yet I turned from it with a feeling of bitter disappointment.  I was at that moment scarcely a degree from the Tropic, and within 150 miles of the centre of the continent.  If I had gained that spot my task would have been performed, my most earnest wish would have been gratified, but for some wise purpose this was denied to me; yet I may truly say, that I should not thus have abandoned my position, if it had not been a measure of urgent and imperative necessity.

After what I have said, the feelings with which, on the morning of the 8th, we unloosed our horses from the bushes, to which they had all night been fastened, will easily be imagined.  Just as we were about to mount, a flight of crested parroquets on rapid wing and with loud shriek flew over us, coming directly from the north, and making for the creek to which we were going—­it was a singular occurrence just at that moment, and so I regarded it, for I had well nigh turned again.  It proved, however, that to the very last, we had followed the line of migration with unerring precision.  What would I not have given for the powers of those swift wanderers of the air?  But as it was I knew not how long they had been on the wing, or how far it was to the spot where they had last rested.

We passed the salt lagoon about 10 a.m. of the 9th, and stopped at a shallow but fresh water pond, a little below it, no less thankful than our exhausted animals that we were relieved from want, and the anxiety attendant on the last few days.  On passing the lagoon we saw two natives digging for roots, but did not disturb them.  In the afternoon, however, Joseph and Lewis saw twenty, who exhibited some unfriendly symptoms,