At nine miles we ascended the ridge, and from it the Desert appeared to be interminable from N. to N.E., but a few distant sand hills now shewed themselves to the eastward of the last mentioned point.  We then descended into a valley of sand and spinifex, and at four miles and a half ascended an elevated peak in a sandy ridge lying in our way.  From this, the view to the north-west was over a succession of sand hills.  The point we stood upon, as well as the ridge, was flanked southwards by an immense plain of red sand and clay, and to the N.E. by a similar but smaller plain.  Crossing a portion of the great plain, at four miles and a half we ascended another peak, and then traversed a narrow valley crossing from it into a second valley, down which we travelled for six miles.

At that distance it was half a mile in breadth, and there was a little verdure near some gum-trees, but no water.  As we were searching about, a cockatoo, (Cacatua Leadbeateri) flew over the sand hill to our right, and pitched in the trees; we consequently crossed to the opposite side and halted for the night, where there was a good deal of green grass for the horses, but no water in the contiguous valley.

CHAPTER II.

The horses—­ascend the hills—­irresolution and retreat—­horses reduced to
great want—­unexpected relief—­try the desert to the N.E.—­Find water in
our last well—­reach the creek—­proceed to the eastward—­plague of flies
and ants—­surprise an old man—­sea-gulls and pelicans—­fish—­pool of
brine—­meet natives—­turn to the N.E.—­Cooper’s creek tribe, their
kindness and appearance—­attempt to cross the plains—­turn back—­proceed
to the northward—­effects of refraction—­find natives at our old camp and
the stores untouched—­Cooper’s creek, its geographical position.

I had taken all the horses, with the exception of one, out with me on this journey, and as they will shortly bear a prominent part in this narrative, I will make some mention of them.  My own horse was a grey—­for which reason I called him Duncan,—­I had ridden him during the whole period of my wanderings, and think I never saw an animal that could endure more, or suffered less from the want of water; he was aged, and a proof, that in the brute creation as well as with mankind, years give a certain stamina that youth does not possess.  This animal, as the reader