Here we found a little dry grass not far from the sea, and as the horses did not require water, they fared tolerably well.

This was the first grass we had met with since we descended the cliffs on the 3rd instant.

The horses having entirely subsisted since then on the wiry vegetation which binds the sand-drifts together.

Although we had water in the canteens for ourselves, and the horses did not require any, I was curious to know whether fresh water could be procured where we were encamped--a long, low and narrow tongue of sandy land, lying between the sea on one side and extensive salt swamps on the other, and in no part elevated more than a few feet above the level of the sea itself.

After tea I took the spade and commenced digging, and to my great surprise at six feet I obtained water, which though brackish was very palatable.