twelve miles they encamped on its bed. A red steer and a cow were
left behind poisoned; and another horse, "Marion" was suffering
severely from the same cause. They were unable to detect the plant
which was doing so much mischief, which must be somewhat plentiful in
this part of the country. Leichhardt mentions (page 293) the loss of
Murphy's pony on the Lynd, which was found on the sands, "with its
body blown up, and bleeding from the nostrils." Similar symptoms
showed themselves in the case of the horses of this expedition,
proving pretty clearly that the deaths were caused by some noxious
plant. (Camp XXIII.)

'November' 17.--The course was continued down Cockburn Creek. At
six miles a large stream runs in from the S.E. which was supposed to
be Byerley Creek. This however is only an assumption, and not very
probable, as it will be remembered that when the brothers struck it
on the 1st November, 40 miles below camp 15, they were surprised to
find it trending toward the south. It is not improbable that it may
run into the sea between the Staaten and Gilbert. This problem can
only be solved when the country gets more occupied, or some explorer
traces the Staaten in its whole length. Below this junction Cockburn
Creek is from 200 to 300 yards wide, running in many channels, but
under the surface. The country is flat and poorly grassed, a low
sandy ridge occasionally running into the creek. The timber is
bloodwood, string-bark, tea-tree, nonda, and acacia. The party
camped 5 miles further down; poor "Marion" being now past all hope of
recovery had to be abandoned. Three cows that calved at camp 22 were
sent for and brought up. They were kept safely all night, but during
the morning watch, were allowed to escape by Barney. At this camp
(XXIV.) Scrutton was bitten in two or three places by a scorpion,
without however any very severe effects.