Embarkation of the party in the boats, and voyage down the Morumbidgee—­ The skiff swamped by striking on a sunken tree—­Recovery of boat and its loading—­Region of reeds—­Dangers of the navigation—­Contraction of the channel—­Reach the junction of a large river—­Intercourse with the natives on its banks—­Character of the country below the junction of the rivers—­ Descent of a dangerous rapid—­Warlike demonstrations of a tribe of natives—­Unexpected deliverance from a conflict with them—­Junction of another river—­Give the name of the “Murray” to the principal stream.

CHAPTER V.

Character of the country—­Damage of provisions—­Adroitness of the natives in catching fish—­The skiff broken up—­Stream from the North-East supposed to be the Darling—­Change of country in descending the river—­Intercourse with the natives—­Prevalence of loathsome diseases among them—­Apparent populousness of the country—­Junction of several small streams—­The Rufus, the Lindesay, &c.—­Rainy and tempestuous weather—­Curious appearance of the banks—­Troublesomeness of the natives—­Inhospitable and desolate aspect of the country—­Condition of the men—­Change in the geological character of the country—­The river passes through a valley among hills.

CHAPTER VI.

Improvement in the aspect of the country—­Increase of the river—­Strong westerly gales—­Chronometer broken—­A healthier tribe of natives—­ Termination of the Murray in a large lake—­Its extent and environs—­ Passage across it—­Hostile appearance of the natives—­Beautiful scenery —­Channel from the lake to the sea at Encounter Bay—­Reach the beach—­ Large flocks of water fowl—­Curious refraction—­State of provisions—­ Embarrassing situation—­Inspection of the channel to the ocean—­Weak condition of the men—­Difficulties of the return.

CHAPTER VII.

Valley of the Murray—­Its character and capabilities—­Laborious progress up the river—­Accident to the boat—­Perilous collision with the natives —­Turbid current of the Rufus—­Passage of the Rapids—­Assisted by the natives—­Dangerous intercourse with them—­Re-enter the Morumbidgee—­ Verdant condition of its banks—­Nocturnal encounter with the natives—­ Interesting manifestation of feeling in one family—­Reach the spot where the party had embarked on the river—­Men begin to fail entirely—­ Determine to send two men forward for relief—­Their return—­Excursion on horseback—­Reach Pondebadgery Plain, and meet the supplies from the colony—­Cannibalism of the natives—­Return to Sydney—­Concluding remarks.

CHAPTER VIII.

Environs of the lake Alexandrina—­Appointment of Capt.  Barker to make a further survey of the coast near Encounter Bay—­Narrative of his proceedings—­Mount Lofty, Mount Barker, and beautiful country adjacent—­ Australian salmon—­Survey of the coast—­Outlet of lake to the sea—­ Circumstances that led to the slaughter of Capt.  Barker by the natives—­ His character—­Features of this part of the country and capabilities of its coasts—­Its adaptation for colonization—­Suggestions for the furtherance of future Expeditions.