MACADAM RANGE.

A remarkable change here occurred in the character of the country, the
hills being now composed of a white, and very compact kind of sandstone.
In the cliffs the strata were very marked, dipping to the South-East at
an angle of about thirty degrees with the horizon. The base and sides of
these heights were thickly strewn with small fragments of sandstone. The
appearance presented was precisely similar to that of a new road, after
it had undergone the improving process invented by Mr. McAdam, in whose
honour, therefore, we named this McAdam Range.

A large light-coloured kangaroo was the only living thing we saw. A short
green-looking grass was thinly sprinkled over the country, imparting a
freshness to it, which, in contrast with the aridity that had of late
surrounded us, was quite delightful.

Crossing the flat on returning to the boat, I was much struck by one
particular spot on the border of a creek. I came suddenly upon a number
of flat stones placed in rows, one upon the other. Though altogether
covering about ten yards of ground, there was no appearance of any shape
in their arrangement. I am still puzzled, to determine whether they were
merely the results of childish amusement, or had performed their part in
some magical incantation or religious ceremony of the natives. I am the
more inclined to think it was the latter, as there was a native grave
near, covered with the same kind of flat stones, to the height of about
three feet. We had not before observed anything like it, neither did we
afterwards. Several flights of large curlews were seen passing over the
boat, and resting on the flats in its neighbourhood. Whilst endeavouring
to procure some of them, I was placed in a sufficiently awkward position,
running the risk of becoming myself a fresh meal instead of procuring