Not however to be entirely dependent on the sheep, I purchased four cwt.

of bacon from Mr.Johnson of the Reed Beds, near Adelaide, by whom it had been cured; and some of that bacon I brought back with me as sweet and fresh as when it was packed, after an exposure of eighteen months to an extreme of heat that was enough to try its best qualities.

I was aware that the sheep might be lost by negligence, or scattered in the event of any hostile collision with the natives; but I preferred trusting to the watchfulness of my men, and to past experience in my treatment of the natives, rather than to overload my drays.

The sequel proved that I was right.

Of the 200 sheep I lost only one by coup de soleil.