I therefore again stopped the teams, and sent Mr.Browne to the eastward to ascertain how far the ridges extended in that direction, since Mr.Poole's track appeared to be leading deeper into them.

On his return he informed me that the ridges ceased at about a mile and a quarter; in consequence of which I turned to the north-east, but the bullocks were now completely worn out and refused to pull.

To save them, therefore, it became necessary to unyoke and to drive them to water, and as Mr.Browne felt satisfied he could lead the way to the creek, I adopted that plan, and telling the men with the sheep to follow on our tracks, we left the drays, at 6 p.m., taking two of the men only with us, and clearing the sand ridges at dusk, entered upon and traversed open plains.

We then stopped to rest the cattle until the moon should rise, and laid down close to them; but although we kept watch, they had well nigh escaped us in search for water.

At half-past ten we again moved on, and at midnight reached a low brush, in which one of the bullocks fell, and I was obliged to leave him.