CHAPTER I.
State of the Colony in 1828-29--Objects of the Expedition--Departure from Sydney--Wellington Valley--Progress down the Macquarie--Arrival at Mount Harris--Stopped by the marshes--Encamp amidst reeds--Excursions down the river--Its termination--Appearance of the marshes--Opthalmic affection of the men--Mr.Hume's successful journey to the northward-- Journey across the plain--Second great marsh--Perplexities--Situation of the exploring party--Consequent resolutions.
The year 1826 was remarkable for the commencement of one of those fearful droughts to which we have reason to believe the climate of New South Wales is periodically subject.

It continued during the two following years with unabated severity.

The surface of the earth became so parched up that minor vegetation ceased upon it.

Culinary herbs were raised with difficulty, and crops failed even in the most favourable situations.
Settlers drove their flocks and herds to distant tracts for pasture and water, neither remaining for them in the located districts.

The interior suffered equally with the coast, and men, at length, began to despond under so alarming a visitation.