We approached these hills by a
gradual ascent, over ground exceedingly stony in places; but as we neared
them it became less so, the soil being a decomposition of the geological
structure of the hills. It was covered with a long kind of grass in
tufts, but growing closer together than usual. There were bare patches of
fine blistered soil, that had as it were been raised into small hillocks,
and on these, rounded particles, or stools, if I may so call them, of
gypsum rested, oval or round, but varying in diameter from three to ten
inches or more. These stools were perfectly flat and transparent, the
upper surface smooth, but in the centre of the under surface a pointed
projection, like that in a bull's eye in window glass was buried in the
ground, as if the gypsum was in process of formation.
On leaving the lagoon, we crossed the creek, riding on a north-east
course over stony plains, and at five miles struck another creek in which
we found a good supply of water, coming direct from the hills, and
continuing to the S.S.E., became tributary to the one we had just left. I
had taken bearings of two of the most prominent points on the ranges from
the lagoon, and directing Flood to go to one of them with Joseph, and
wait for me at the base, I rode away with Mr. Browne to ascend the other;
but finding it was much farther than we had imagined, that it would take
us out of our way, and oblige us to return, we checked our horses and
made for the other hill, at the foot of which Flood had already arrived.
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