The interruption was caused by our bullocks having gone back several miles, probably in search of better water, for we found them generally very nice in this particular.
The natives had, in my absence, visited my companions, and behaved very quietly, making them presents of emu feathers, bommerangs, and waddies.
Mr.Phillips gave them a medal of the coronation of her Majesty Queen Victoria, which they seemed to prize very highly.

They were fine, stout, well made people, and most of them young; but a few old women, with white circles painted on their faces, kept in the back ground.

They were much struck with the white skins of my companions, and repeatedly patted them in admiration.

Their replies to inquiries respecting water were not understood; but they seemed very anxious to induce us to go down the river.
We started at noon to Skull Creek, which, in a straight line, was fourteen miles distant, in a north by east direction.

Loose cumuli floated in the hazy atmosphere during the whole forenoon, but rose in the afternoon, and occasionally sheltered us from the scorching sun.