Walker's party were so indistinct on the rich plains from so much rain
having fallen that I gave up hope of being able to follow them. We
coursed the river down three-quarters of a mile and found a shallow rocky
ford, but it was not available as the rocks were too slippery and the
opposite bank too steep. Near the ford we saw some articles belonging to
the blacks, and amongst them a piece of an old blanket that I fancied was
a part of one I had given to them at the Albert River. From the ford we
returned up the river and encamped near some small waterholes. The
direction we came today from last camp south-east by east; distance eight
miles. In the distance I may be a little out of my calculation, my watch
having stopped. This was particularly vexing as I had bought it expressly
for keeping the time while on this expedition. After dark we heard the
horses galloping and, as Jemmy, Jackey, and Fisherman thought blacks were
driving them away, I sent them to fetch them back; but they did not
disturb them as they were feeding quietly and no blacks were seen.

February 14.

We left Number 4 Camp this morning at 7.50. In following the river up
about seven and three-quarter miles to a basaltic ford, where the water
was fresh, we passed over rich well-grassed country, consisting chiefly
of plains, separated from each other by low wooded country. On the low
land we observed salt herbs, and pigweed, the proper name of which, I
believe, is portulac. We crossed the ford and camped on the opposite
side. The scenery here is picturesque; there is a fall of about thirty
feet with beautiful trees in its neighbourhood. The channel of the river
showed extensive old flood-marks and had plenty of water in it, but I had
to make a minute examination of it before I discovered the water was
running. In a fine deep hole below the fall Mr. Bourne and I intended
bathing, but had to go further, from hearing something like a large