of fat.

The operation concluded, we took leave of our companions; and although our material was reduced by the two horses on which they returned, Mr.Hodgson left us the greater part of his own equipment.

The loss of the two horses caused us some little inconvenience, as it increased the loads of the animals.

The daily ration of the party was now fixed at six pounds of flour per day, with three pounds of dried beef, which we found perfectly sufficient to keep up our strength.
Whenever it was necessary to delay for any time at one place, our cattle and horses gave us great trouble: they would continually stray back in the direction we came from, and we had frequently to fetch them back five, seven, and even ten miles.

Mr.Hodgson's horses had returned even to the camp of the 21st October, and three days were required to find them and bring them back.