At a quarter past 3, p.m.on the 21st of January, the thermometer had risen to 131 degrees in the shade, and to 154 degrees in the direct rays of the sun.

In the evening however we pushed on for about ten miles, and halted on a plain about a mile from the base of the hills, without water.
On the 22nd we continued our journey to the north-east, through a country that was anything but promising.

Although we were traversing plains, our view was limited by acacias and other trees growing upon them.
Notwithstanding that we kept close in to the ranges, the water-courses we crossed could hardly be recognised as such, as they scarcely reached to a greater distance than a mile and a half on the plains, before they spread out and terminated.

As we advanced the brush became thicker, nor was there anything to cheer us onwards.

In the afternoon therefore I turned towards the hills, and ascended one of them, to ascertain if there was any new object in sight, but here again disappointment awaited us.
The hills were more detached than in other places, and much lower.