and immediately after found a little water, where we halted, but again
started at 8.47; at 9 made half a mile south-west down the river; at 9.20
made three-quarters of a mile south-east down the river; at 9.40 made one
mile east by south down the river, at 10.10 made one mile about
south-east down the river; at 10.30 made three-quarters of a mile
south-east down the river to where we found a little water out of small
holes in the rock, which seemed like a robbery from the flocks of little
birds which surrounded them; from here we started again at 11.5; at 11.15
made a quarter of a mile south to junction of large creek from
south-west, which I named Hervey Creek, near which we observed several
flocks of pigeons; at 11.50 made half a mile east-south-east to where the
channels are confined, and where there is on the left side a strange deep
rocky pit; at 12.12 made three-quarters of a mile south-south-west down
the river; at 12.21 made quarter of a mile south-east down the river; at
12.35 made three-quarters of a mile south-south-east to the junction of
creek from north-east which I have named Chester Creek; at 12.58 made one
mile south-east by east down the river; at 1.6 made quarter of a mile
south-south-west to a very fine waterhole which I have named Mary Lake.
This place seems to be a favourite resort for blacks; the banks are
covered with mussels, and all the firewood burned. We turned the horses
out for some time; it is surrounded with bushes of polygonum; at 4.32
started to return to Number 21 Camp; at 4.50 made one mile north to
Chester Creek; at 6.15 made five miles north across high stony rich plain
country, where we encamped, as there was a patch of young grass for the
horses.

Sunday December 22. Camp.

From camp on left bank of little dry creek we left at 6.20 to return to
Camp 21; at 8 a.m. made six miles north to left bank of Herbert Creek; at