We were
indeed obliged to keep on the banks of the creek as they were higher and
firmer than the plains, but after all we only made seven miles and
halted, I had almost said without water, for notwithstanding the recent
rains, there was not a drop in the bed of the creek, nor could we get any
other than a scanty supply by digging; Jones, however, one of the bullock
drivers, found a shallow pool upon the plains to which the cattle were
driven.
On the way I ascended a small hill composed of mica slate, and on its
summit found two or three specimens of tourmaline. The boiling point of
water on this hill was 210 degrees, the thermometer stood at 70 degrees.
On the 25th we crossed the little dividing range connected with Lewis's
Hill, which last I again ascended to verify my bearings, as we had
erected three pyramids on the Coonbaralla range that were visible from
it. I also availed myself of the slow progress of the drays, to ascend a
hill at some little distance from our line, which was considerably higher
than any of those near it, and was amply rewarded for my trouble by the
extensive view it afforded.
Our specimens and collections were at this period exceedingly limited,
nor did there appear to be any immediate chance of increasing them. The
most numerous of the feathered race were the owls, (Strix flameus.) These
birds flew about in broad daylight, and kept the camp awake all night by
their screeching, it being at that time the breeding season.
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