This was at a distance of about five miles from where we had slept.

As the animals had not recovered from their late privations, I deemed it better to halt the party and to examine the creek for a few miles below us, that in case it should prove destitute of water, we might return to that we had left.

Mr.Hume accordingly rode down it for about three miles, without success; and on his rejoining the men, we returned with them to our last camp, or to within a short distance of it.

Wishing to examine the creek above our position, I requested Mr.Hume to take two men with him, and to trace it down in search of water, while I should proceed in the opposite direction.

I went from the camp at an early hour, and as I wandered along the creek, I passed a regular chain of ponds.