MK (conjoined), Decr. 23, 24, 25.  Dig.  Arrow at 7 o’clock.  Documents deposited for relief party under tree marked as above.  Wind strong south-south-east.  All the animals right this morning; started the bullocks and sheep at 7.45, rounding the north end of lake—­my course is right through it bearing 89 degrees for Lake Dhalinnie.  At two and a half miles came to creek that falls into this one we are now encamped on; go up it half a mile north-east to cross it; sent the cart round by the creek to be on level ground whilst I go direct to Dhalinnie.  At four and a half miles clear the lake, and at three and a half miles further arrive at the Lake Dhalinnie—­a treeless lake, fully a mile from north to south and little better than half a mile from east to west.  Appam Barra from this bears 4 degrees, Cannboogonanni camp 269 degrees.  Started at 10.11 a.m. to meet the cart on a bearing of about 330 degrees to take them to Appam Barra; meet the camp 10.30 and go on a bearing of 6 1/2 degrees for Appam Barra at 10.40.  After spelling ten minutes crossed creek at 11.53; at 12.10 got to Appam Barra Creek, well filled with water, going north-north-west from north-north-east, then round to south-south-east and south, in the distance filling a few lakes in its course on coming from the first quarter—­a considerable number of natives here.  Went on the north-north-east course one and a quarter miles on bearing of 8 degrees; camped immediately beyond where a branch leaves the main creek going southward—­a good-sized creek about, at its junction, seventy yards wide and fifteen feet deep; main creek about one hundred yards wide and twenty to twenty-five feet deep; lots of mussels, crayfish, and fish of all sorts.  No great abundance of feed here nor is the country so good as has been passed, having a very desert and sterile appearance with a jumble of sandhills, flooded land, and a considerable quantity of samphire bushes, large saltbush, polygonum, and other shrubs.  The natives (a fine body of men) whether from curiosity or otherwise, were with much difficulty got away from the camp at night.

Friday, December 27.

Wind north-east; the animals went straying some considerable distance and were late in being recovered (4.30 p.m.) having gone back to last camp, therefore we did not get a start today.  Half of the horses broke and lost their hobbles; and the loss of chains is serious as they cannot be replaced here.

Saturday, December 28.

Not a breath of wind at daylight.  Distributed yesterday to natives (fifty-three) necklaces, etc.; there was a considerable number more men present in the morning but they had gone somewhere before the distribution.  They are a splendid lot of people and in most excellent condition, much better than the appearance of the country here would warrant.  They appear friendly but were about during last night.  A large flight of galahs just passing.  Gulls, pigeons, and ducks of all sorts abound.  It was