combing their hair.

April 11.

Two of the blacks started this morning along the line they intend taking
us if they can find water for the first stage. I spent a considerable
time in repairing my sextant. I got it so near right that the index error
was only four minutes, but after fastening it with a thread I found the
error was increased. This evening the blacks returned and reported that
the waterholes they had gone to see were empty. They told us of two
practicable roads to the Barcoo River. One by Stark Creek from a place up
the river, the other from a place down the river; the latter we
determined to try.

April 12.

We left Camp 45 at 8.30. Two of the blacks accompanied us down the river
to show us the road to the Barcoo River. At first they walked, but
afterwards I gave them a horse to ride alternately. The oldest of the two
liked riding so much better than walking that he made his young companion
walk the most of the way. When we had come about thirteen miles we
encamped. About a mile above here we passed some blacks whom our guides
stopped with. Afterwards the eldest of the blackfellows came in the
evening for some flour for himself and his companions. The country we
have seen since leaving 44 Camp has undulating features but no hills. The
soil rich, but vegetation dry from want of rain. We came he today on the
following courses: 11 west-south-west six and a quarter miles; 1.20
south-west two and three-quarter miles; 2.50 south-south-west four miles
to camp.