The feelings of delight which I experienced when, upon emerging from the more than usually inhospitable Bricklow scrub, the dark verdure of a swamp surrounding a small lake -- with native companions (ARDEAANTIGONE) strutting round, and swarms of ducks playing on its still water, backed by an open forest, in which the noble palm tree was conspicuous--suddenly burst upon our view, were so great as to be quite indescribable.

I joyfully returned to the camp, to bring forward my party; which was not, however, performed without considerable trouble.

We had to follow the Dawson down to where the creek joined it; for the scrub was impassable for loaded bullocks, and, even on this detour, we had to contend with much scrub as we proceeded down the valley.

It, however, became more free from scrub at every step, and opened out into flats of more or less extent on either side, skirted by hills, clothed with an open forest, rising into regular ranges.

On my RECONNAISSANCE I crossed the Gilbert Ranges, which were named after my companion Mr.Gilbert, and came on waters which fall to the eastward, and join the Dawson lower down.