so- EXPEDITION FROM MORETON BAY [Nov. 8, 1858. 



expedition ; and it is to the unvarying and cheerful alacrity with 

 which each and all performed their respective duties, that, under 

 Providence, the rapidity and success of the journey are to be mainly 

 attributed. 



With reference to the probable fate of Leichhardt, it is evident, 

 from the existence of the marked camp, nearly 80 miles beyond those 

 seen by Mr. Hely, that the account given to that gentleman by the 

 natives of the murder of the party was untrue ; and I am inclined to 

 think only a revival of the report current during Leichhaidt's first 

 journey to Port Essington. Nor is it probable that they were de- 

 stroyed until they had left the Victoria, as, if killed by the natives, 

 the scattered bones of the horses and cattle would have been observed 

 during our search. 



I am therefore of opinion that they left the river at the junction of 

 the Alice, and, favoured by thunder showers, penetrated the level 

 desert country to the north-west ; in which case, on the cessation of 

 the rain, the party would not only be deprived of a supply of water for 

 the onward journey, but unable to retreat, as the shallow deposits of 

 rain-water would evaporate in a few days, and it is not likely that 

 they would commence a retrograde movement until the strength of 

 the party had been severely taxed in the attempt to advance. 



The character of the country traversed, from the out-stations on 

 the Dawson Eiver to the head of the Warrego River, was generally 

 that of a grassy forest, with ridges of dense brigalow scrub. A great 

 portion is available for pastoral purposes, but not well watered ; and 

 the soil being sandy, the grass would soon be destroyed if too heavily 

 stocked. 



As we advanced into the interior it became more barren, and, 

 except along the banks of the larger watercourses, destitute of timber ; 

 and the character of the vegetation indicated excessive droughts. 



North of lat. 26° dense scrubs of acacia prevailed on the level 

 country beyond the influence of the inundations ; but to the south- 

 ward sandy and stony deserts, with low shrubby vegetation, were the 

 characteristic feature. 



West of longitude 147°, nearly to the boundary of South Australia, 

 in 141°, the country is unfit for occupation, for, though in favourable 

 seasons there might in some few localities be abundance of feed for 

 stock, the uncertainty of rain and frequent recurrence of drought 

 render it untenable, the grasses and herbage being principally 

 annuals, which not only die, but are swept away by the hot summer 

 winds, leaving the surface of the soil completely bare. 



On Cooper Creek, near the boundary, there is a small tract of 

 second-rate country, which, being abundantly supplied with water, : 



