Nov. 8, 1858.] IN SEARCH OF LEICHHARDT AND PARTY. 29 



the rain, and the horses improved in condition and did not require 

 much water. 



2lst June. — In latitude 28^ 24' we again came on Strzelecki Creek, 

 and then followed it nearly S.S.W. between sandy ridges to latitude 

 29^ 25', when it turned to the west and entered Lake Torrens. 

 (^25th June.) No permanent water was seen in the bed of the creek, 

 though there are many deep hollows which, when once filled, retain 

 water for several months, and this, combined with the existence of 

 a fine reach of water in Cooper Creek immediately above the point 

 where Strzelecki Creek branches off, renders it far the best line of 

 route into the interior which has jet been discovered. 



Passing between the eastern point of Lake Torrens and what has 

 hitherto been considered the eastern arm, but now ascertained to be 

 an independent lake, the space between (about half a mile) was level 

 sandy ground, covered with salicomia, without any apparent con- 

 necting channel. The course was continued S.S.W. towards Mount 

 Hopeless, at the northern extreme of the high ranges of South 

 Australia, which had been visible across the level country at a 

 distance of 60 miles. 



26th June. — As we approached the range of hills tracks of cattle and 

 horses were observed, and 8 miles beyond Mount Hopeless came to a 

 cattle station which had been lately established by Mr. Baker. 



As the nature of the country we had traversed was such as not to 

 admit of any useful deviations from it if we returned to New South 

 Wales by land, I deemed it advisable to proceed forthwith to Ade- 

 laide, and, disposing of the horses and equipment, return with the 

 party by sea to Sydney. 



31st July. — We therefore proceeded by easy stages towards Ade- 

 laide, experiencing the greatest hospitality at the stations on our 

 route, while our reception in the city was of the most flattering 

 nature. 



His Excellency Sir Eichard Macdonald kindly gave me the use of 

 an extensive paddock for the horses, and provided quarters for the 

 men during the period which necessarily elapsed before the sale of 

 the equipment of the expedition was efi'ected. I have also to express 

 my acknowledgments of the kind assistance rendered by the Honour- 

 able the Commissioner of Crown Lands, to the Surveyor-General, and 

 the Superintendent of Telegraphs for valuable data connected with 

 the construction of the map of the route, as well as to many other 

 gentlemen whose cordial co-operation greatly facilitated my arrange- 

 ments. 



It is extremely gratifying to record my appreciation of the untiring 

 zeal and energy which distinguished every individual composing the 



