Thursday, February 13.

The cart on its way here this morning had an upset in one of the creeks close by but fortunately little damage done.  The road it appears to me from this on our course is much better than we have come over, if so we shall make good speed.  I spell the remainder of today refreshing the animals.  This creek is about eighty to ninety yards wide, very precipitous banks, and from fifty to sixty feet deep, with innumerable small creeks.  About 400 yards from this, above us, a large creek leaves this one, heavily timbered and well-defined.  Limestone crops out in many places.  It is from fifty to seventy yards wide and from fifteen to thirty feet deep.  It sweeps away to the west and south, close under some sand-ridges that are close by.  Wind from south and west, very sultry.  There has been a good deal of rain here lately (and from the appearance of the country there has been none for some time previously).  Nothing green except in the bed of the creek and the trees.  The whole country looks as if it had been carefully ploughed, harrowed, and finally rolled, the farmer having omitted the seed.  Two natives came into our camp at dark, apparently without any fear, and stayed with us for the night.

Friday, February 14.

Started at 8 a.m.  On the west side of the creek Panbaera a large creek leaves it at about 400 yards from camp, and the ground heavy, with intense heat.  I camped after a journey of fifteen and a half miles on same side of creek, close to a deep waterhole in the creek.  Name of creek Toomathooganie.  Immediately above the camp on opposite side of creek a large red sandhill comes right on to creek called Manganhoonie, from the top of which one gets an extensive view of such country as there is, the creek in the distance, north, it filling the valley with its timber bearing 340 degrees.  On our way here today, about three miles from camp, passed the remains of Burke’s horse and saddle; they were recognised as his by camel dung being about the camp.  No marks on any of the trees visible.  Camel dung also close to our camp.  Another of our best bullocks was obliged to be left, having been struck down with the sun as the other was a few days ago.  Cart late in arrival at camp in consequence.  One of our natives took French leave immediately after getting to camp; the other tried hard also but was too closely watched.

Saturday, February 15.

Started some hands back to see if the bullock was still alive, if so and unable to travel, to kill him and have him jerked, and if dead to have him skinned.  They brought back word that he was still alive and might get over it.  Late getting ready to start owing to the uncertainty whether the bullock was to be jerked or not.  Bullocks started at 10.35 a.m., and if I get feed must make a short day of it.  If the road keeps as heavy as it has done since coming to this creek I shall have to abandon the cart, which for many reasons I shall regret.  Wind north and