As we crossed the plains we again observed numerous cattle tracks, and regularly beaten paths leading from the brushes to the river, to the very point indeed where we encamped.  The natives had previously informed us, as far back as the place where we shot the first bullock, that we should fall in with other cattle hereabouts; we did not however see any of them during the day.  Our tents were pitched on the narrow neck of land leading to an enclosure into which we had turned our animals.  It was so narrow indeed that nothing could pass either in or out of it without being observed by the guard, so that neither could our cattle escape or the wild ones join them.  It was clear, however, that we had cut off the latter from their favourite pasture, for at night they were bellowing all round us, and frequently approached close up to our fires.  We had no difficulty in distinguishing the lowing of the heifers from that of the bullocks; of which last there appeared to be a large proportion in the herd.

Some of our cattle were getting very sore necks, and our loads at this time were too heavy for me to relieve them.  Flood therefore suggested our trying to secure two or three of the bullocks running in the bush.  We therefore arranged that a party should go out in the morning to scour the wood, and drive any cattle they might find towards the river, at which I was to be prepared to entice them to our animals.  Accordingly Mr. Poole and Mr. Browne, with Flood and Mack, started at sunrise.  It was near twelve, however, when Mr. Browne returned with Flood, who had met with a sad accident, and had three of the first joints of the fingers of his right hand carried off by the discharge of his fusee whilst loading.  He had incautiously put on the cap and was galloping at the time, but kept his seat.  Mr. Browne informed me they had seen a great many cattle, but that they were exceedingly wild, and started off the moment the horsemen appeared, insomuch that they could not turn them, and it was with a view to drive them towards the river that Flood fired at them.  However none approached the camp.  Mr. Poole returned late in the afternoon equally unsuccessful.  Mr. Browne dressed Flood’s hand, who bore it exceedingly well, and only expressed his regret that he should be of no use on the Darling in the event of any rupture with the natives.  I remained stationary, as Mr. Browne thought it would be necessary to keep Flood quiet for a day or two.  On the following day we resumed our journey, and reached the junction of the ancient channel of the Darling with the Murray about 11.  The floods were running into it with great velocity, and the water had risen to a considerable height, so that many trees were standing in it.  I remained here until noon, when a meridian altitude placed us in lat. 34 degrees 4 minutes 34 seconds.  We then bade adieu to the Murray, and turned northwards to overtake the party, which under Nadbuck’s guidance had cut off the angle into which we had gone.