a line of hollows parallel to the river, and thickly
covered with a high stiff grass; and then another
steep bank covered with a thicket of drooping tea-trees,
rose at the water’s edge; and, if the descent
into the bed of the river was more easy, the stream
frequently was at the opposite side, and we had to
walk several hundred yards over a broad sheet of loose
sand, which filled our mocassins, when going to wash.
At present, the river is narrower, and I have chosen
my camp twice on its dry sandy bed, under the shade
of Casuarinas and Melaleucas, the stream being there
comparatively easy of access, and not ten yards off.
Many unpleasant remarks had been made by my companions
at my choice of camping places; but, although I suffered
as much inconvenience as they did, I bore it cheerfully,
feeling thankful to Providence for the pure stream
of water with which we were supplied every night.
I had naturally a great antipathy against comfort-hunting
and gourmandizing, particularly on an expedition like
ours; on which we started with the full expectation
of suffering much privation, but which an Almighty
Protector had not only allowed us to escape hitherto,
but had even supplied us frequently with an abundance—in
proof of which we all got stronger and improved in
health, although the continued riding had rather weakened
our legs. This antipathy I expressed, often perhaps
too harshly, which caused discontent; but, on these
occasions, my patience was sorely tried. I may,
however, complete the picture of the day: as soon
as the camp is pitched, and the horses and bullocks
unloaded, we have all our alloted duties; to make
the fire falls to my share; Brown’s duty is to
fetch water for tea; and Mr. Calvert weighs out a
pound and a-half of flour for a fat cake, which is
enjoyed more than any other meal; the large teapot
being empty, Mr. Calvert weighs out two and a-half
pounds of dry meat to be stewed for our late dinner;
and, during the afternoon, every one follows his own
pursuits, such as washing and mending clothes, repairing
saddles, pack-saddles, and packs; my occupation is
to write my log, and lay down my route, or make an
excursion in the vicinity of the camp to botanize,
etc. or ride out reconnoitring. My companions
also write down their remarks, and wander about gathering
seeds, or looking for curious pebbles. Mr. Gilbert
takes his gun to shoot birds. A loud cooee again
unites us towards sunset round our table cloth; and,
whilst enjoying our meals, the subject of the day’s
journey, the past, the present, and the future, by
turns engage our attention, or furnish matter for conversation
and remark, according to the respective humour of the
parties. Many circumstances have conspired to
make me strangely taciturn, and I am now scarcely
pleased even with the chatting humour of my youngest
companion, whose spirits, instead of flagging, have
become more buoyant and lively than ever. I consider
it, however, my invariable duty to give every information