We went to the place described, and found this second Nile or Ganges to be nothing but a saltwater creek communicating with Botany Bay, on whose banks we passed a miserable night from want of a drop of water to quench our thirst, for as we believed that we were going to a river we thought it needless to march with full canteens.
On this expedition we carried with us a thermometer which (in unison with our feelings) shewed so extraordinary a degree of cold for the latitude of the place that I think myself bound to transcribe it.
Monday, 18th July 1791.

The sun arose in unclouded splendor and presented to our sight a novel and picturesque view.

The contiguous country as white as if covered with snow, contrasted with the foliage of trees flourishing in the verdure of tropical luxuriancy*.

Even the exhalation which steamed from the lake beneath contributed to heighten the beauty of the scene.
Wind SSW.

Thermorneter at sunrise 25 degrees.