A great number of natives, men, boys, and children, who had been attracted by the screams of their companions, now came running towards us; but on our putting our horses into a sharp canter, and riding towards them, they retired into the scrub.

The yams proved to be the tubers of a vine with blue berries; both tubers and berries had the same pungent taste, but the former contained a watery juice, which was most welcome to our parched mouths.

A similar tuber was found near Mount Stewart on the 18th January.

We then proceeded down the river; but not succeeding in our search for water, returned to our camp, which was about fifteen miles distant.

As soon as I arrived, I sent Mr.Gilbert and Brown down Hughs's Creek, to examine the country near its junction.
Very thick clouds came from the westward, from which a few drops of rain fell: thunder-storms were forming to the north-east and also to the west, but none reached us: the night was very cloudy and warm: the scud flying from the north-east.
Feb.