September 23rd.—­Went down the creek to-day in search of the natives . . .I could not think of leaving without showing them that we could appreciate and reward the kindness they had shown to Burke’s party and particularly to King. . .Passed the first feeder of Strleczki’s Creek, going to the southward, and at a large reach of water below, found the natives camped.  They made a great commotion when we rode up, but seemed very friendly.  I unpacked my blanket, and took out specimens of the things I intended giving them,—­a tomahawk, a knife, beads, a looking-glass, comb, and flour and sugar.  The tomahawk was the great object of attraction, after that the knife, but I think the looking-glass surprised them most.  On seeing their faces reflected, some seemed dazzled, others opened their eyes like saucers, and made a rattling noise with their tongues expressive of wonder.  We had quite a friendly palaver, and my watch amused them immensely.  I made them understand that they were to bring the whole tribe up next morning to our camp to receive their presents, and we parted the best of friends.

September 24th.—­This morning, about ten o’clock, our black friends appeared in a long procession, men, women, and children, or, as they here also call them, piccaninnies; and at a mile distance they commenced bawling at the top of their voices as usual.  When collected altogether on a little flat, just below our camp, they must have numbered between thirty and forty, and the uproar was deafening.  With the aid of King, I at last got them all seated before me, and distributed the presents—­tomahawks, knives, necklaces, looking-glasses, combs—­amongst them.  I think no people were ever so happy before, and it was very interesting to see how they pointed out one or another whom they thought might be overlooked.  The piccaninnies were brought forward by their parents to have red ribbon tied round their dirty little heads.  An old woman, Carrawaw, who had been particularly kind to King, was loaded with things.  I then divided fifty pounds of sugar between them, each one taking his share in a union-jack pocket-handkerchief, which they were very proud of.  The sugar soon found its way into their mouths; the flour, fifty pounds of which I gave them, they at once called “white-fellow nardoo,” and explained that they understood that these things were given to them for having fed King.  Some old clothes were then put on some of the men and women, and the affair ended in several of our party and several of the black fellows having an impromptu “corroboree,” to the intense delight of the natives, and I must say, very much to our amusement.  They left, making signs expressive of friendship, carrying their presents with them.  The men all wore a net girdle; and of the women some wore one of leaves, others of feathers.  I feel confident that we have left the best impression behind us, and that the “white fellows,” as they have already learned to call us, will be looked on henceforth as friends, and that, in case of emergency, any one will receive the kindest treatment at their hands.