Pulcanti, the native I sent with Mr.
Browne, however, made a rough sketch of the two channels, by which it appeared that the Ana-branch held very much to the eastward, in proof of which he pointed to a high line of trees, at a great distance, as being the line of the river Darling.

Considering from this that, even if water failed us in the Ana-branch, we should have no difficulty in crossing to the main stream, and that however short our progress might be, it would greatly curtail our journey to Laidley's Ponds, I decided on trying the new route.
Mr.Browne saw a great many red kangaroos (foxy), some very young, others very large; and he chased a jerboa, which escaped him.

He also saw a new bird with a black crest, about the size of a thrush.
The morning of the 14th had been cloudy, but the day was beautifully fine; so that we had really enjoyed our march, if so it might be called.
From our tents there was a green and grassy slope to the shore of the lake, with a group of two or three immense trees, at distances of several hundred yards apart, and the tranquil waters lay backed by low blue hills.
On the morning of the 15th the barometer fell to 27.672, the thermometer standing at 56 degrees, at 8 a.m.The air was heavy, the sky dull, and the flies exceedingly troublesome.

All these indications of an approaching change in the weather might have determined me to remain stationary, but I was anxious to push on.

I therefore directed Mr.Poole to complete the survey of the lake, and at eleven moved the whole party forward.
The picturesque scenery which had, up to this point, adorned the shores of Lake Victoria ceased at two miles, when we suddenly and at once found ourselves travelling on sand, at the same time amidst reeds.