322 DR. LEICHHARDT'S TRAVELS. 
A continuation of Dr. Lexcnnanprs Travels in New South Wales, 
with some remarks by Rosert Hewarp, Esq., F.L.S. 
In the sixth volume of this work some observations were pub- 
lished on Dr. Leichhardt’s expedition to Port Essington, and at 
- the close of the paper an intimation was given of the route Dr. 
Leichhardt intended to pursue on a second journey. From un- 
foreseen causes, which are detailed below, it will be found that Dr. 
Leichhardt was compelled to return at a short period after the 
commencement of his operations. 
The expedition reached the Dawson river * without much diffi- 
culty, the stream was then running so strong as to compel them 
to take advantage of a large tree which had fallen across it, to 
convey their baggage over. At Expedition Range, the rains set 
in, and the ground soon became so boggy that the mules sank to 
their bellies, and but slow progress was made. All the water- 
courses and creeks between Expedition and Christmas Ranges 
became flooded and compelled them to make a long détour to 
head them. 
Deception Creek and Comet Creek were swollen into immense 
rivers, and all the surrounding country was inundated. Dr. Leich- 
hardt had feared that. the Mackenzie would impede their pro- 
gress, and on his arrival at that river, his fears were but too fully 
realized. There had been several cases of illness as they travelled 
through the scrub, but here the whole party were attacked by 
fever, which subsequently assumed the character of fever and ague- 
Dr. Leichhardt had an attack of it for nine days, and it left him 
very weak for a long while after. They had to wait for three 
weeks before the river was fordable, and after getting over, the 
party were so exhausted by illness that they were wholly unable 
to proceed, and had to remain for three weeks longer to recover 
their strength. From the idea that change of place and slight 
exertion would operate beneficially, Dr. Leichhardt resolved to 
move on with the strongest of the party, and accordingly pro- 
ceeded with the stock towards Peak Range, which was only sixty 
* See map in Lond. Journal of Botany, vol. vi. p. 342. 
