On the opposite side the hills receded, forming an amphitheatre round a
level plain, through which ran a creek. On its banks, for the first time,
we saw fires of the natives. Here, also for the first time, we noticed
the gouty-stem trees; whilst the slope of the hill we ascended was
covered with a tolerable sprinkling of grass. Kangaroos, likewise, were
observed on every side springing along the turf; and a few great
alligators passed up the stream, after reconnoitering our boat at the
risk of a shot or two.

We were now nearly thirty miles from the ship; and a few stations were
still necessary to be made to complete the survey so far. Our proceeding
farther was therefore useless, especially as an exploring expedition must
pass up the river; and retracing our steps we reached the ship near
midnight on the 20th. The intelligence of the success of our cruise was
received on board with an enthusiasm which explorers only can appreciate.
Mr. Fitzmaurice had not returned, which favoured my surmises that he
would find a river.

October 21.

Mr. Forsyth having collected all the necessary material for the survey
near the ship, we shifted our berth this afternoon into deeper water,
between the south end of Quoin Island and another small islet to the
south-west, which from our operations on its south-eastern corner we
called Observation Island. The weather was very remarkable in the
evening--dark patches of clouds appearing in the western horizon, from
which vivid lightnings flashed, and loud peals of thunder roared. The
frightened stream of the sea-birds evinced how seldom nature puts on such
an aspect in this place.