There was no difference in the appearance of the country to the westward of it; but a seeming interminable flat stretched away in that direction.

A journey across it was not likely, therefore, to be attended with any favorable results, since it was improbable that any other leading feature was within our reach.

I proposed, therefore, to take the most serviceable of the horses with me down the river, that, in the event of our finding fresh water, we might again push forward.

Mr.Hume requesting to be permitted to accompany me, it was arranged that we should start on the 8th, thereby giving the animals a day's rest.

We had not seen any natives since our parting with the chief horde; and as we were stationed at some little distance from the river, I hoped that they would not visit the camp during my absence.