The sandy ridges, Mr.Browne informed me, continued as far as he went; and, to all appearance, for miles beyond.

The day we returned to the creek was one of most overpowering heat, the thermometer at noon being 117 degrees in the shade.

I had promised to wait for Mr.Browne at the shallow puddle, but the sun's rays fell with such intense effect on so exposed a spot that I was obliged to seek shelter at the creek.

It blew furiously during the night of the 13th, in heated gusts from the north-east, and on the morning of the 14th the gale continued with unabated violence, and eventually became a hot wind.

We were, therefore, unable to stir.