Ascending this mountain, we found that the country in the line of our course was high, broken forest land, the easternmost ranges of which (distant from thirty-five to forty miles) appeared to have a stream running under them, by reason of the thick haze which rose from the valley beneath.  To the north bending round to the north-east, the country was beautifully picturesque, consisting of low, open forest hills, bounded by higher chains of hills that formed the southern side of the spacious valley under Hardwicke’s Range; through which I no longer doubted that a considerable stream had its course, since all the waters we had hitherto crossed ran in that direction.  A great many smokes, arising from the fires of the natives, were seen to the north-east and north.  To the south-east, south, and south-west, our view extended over that vast tract of level champaign country intermingled with hills, sometimes rising into lofty peaks, as has already been described.  The abundance of game, such as emus, and kangaroos, and of wild ducks on the stream, was wonderful:  our dogs after severe battles killed two emus, who however tore one of them very dangerously.  We called the river which divided and watered the plain Field’s River, in honour of the Judge of the Supreme Court.

September 1.—­We pursued our course to the east-north-east, winding through rich valleys bounded by lofty forest hills for seven miles; when by a gentle descent we entered a rich and spacious vale, bounded on the east by very high hills, and on the west by others less elevated.  At twelve miles we stopped at some ponds near the centre of the vale.  The hills were very stony, of various species—­granite, freestone, and pudding-stone; they were however well covered with grass, and quite clear and open; the valleys and levels excellent, with good timber, chiefly apple tree, box, and gum.  On the higher ridges of the hills, and occasionally on their sides, were many fine cypresses:  there was nothing grand or imposing in the scenery; but it was simple and attractive from its richness and extent:  the hills sometimes rose into singular forms which were continually changing in our progress, and appeared well calculated to afford an ample range of sheep pasture.  The extensive vale in which we stopped was named Goulburn Vale, in honour of the under Secretary of State for the colonies.

September 2.—­Our expectations of finding a river to the eastward, were this day verified:  after passing for eleven miles across this beautiful vale, we came to a deep and rapid stream running to the north, through the valley whose eastern side it waters:  finding it too deep to be forded, we constructed a bridge across a narrow part of it, by felling such large trees as would meet, by which the baggage was taken over:  the horses were swum across.  One of the men, foolishly attempting to swim over on a horse, nearly paid for his imprudence with his life:  as he could not swim, he was carried