372 SIR T. L. MITCHELL’S DISCOVERIES. 
days we reached the depot camp, where I left Mr. Kennedy 
with the heavy drays and cattle, and received the agreeable - 
intelligence that, during the long period in which that party 
have been stationary, the natives had given no trouble; thaf 
the men were all well, and the old cattle in good condition, 
I had straightened the route in returning, so that it is now à 
most convenient road, well watered by permanent supplies. 
Mr. Kennedy's inquiries amongst the natives led to a very 
important discovery, which we have since made, namely, 
that the Maranoa turns south about thirty miles below where 
he had his camp, and joins the Balonne only a day's journey | 
above this spot whence I write. We have also discovered 
on the banks of this river much rich pastoral land, and about - 
lat. 26° 30’ S., open downs, resembling on a smaller 2 
those on the Victoria ; and whether the vast extent of inter- 
vening country may not admit of a direct passage 400% 
from these to the central downs, without crossing the Pluto- 
nic ranges, remains to be ascertained during a season Wh* 
the water holes are better filled. Into that country the 
channels of the Warrego and Nive turned when I had 
leave them; much native smoke arose there ; and In 
that I cannot now explore the course of these two | 
The survey of the Maranoa forms a line permanently SUP 
plied with water and grass, from this camp to the tar 
limits I have reached, and directly in prolongation 
road across the Hawkesbury and Hunter, intended ong 
. to have been made to Liverpool Plains. One link 5 
~ Still wanting to complete the chain; it is from this 
~ bridge on the Balonne to the furthest point reached 
in my journey of 1831, a distance of about seventy 
and I hope to find the country in that direction pass 
_ this party in its way homewards.” "adiac TAR 
Numerous observations and measurements were ® 
and Sir Thomas intimates to the governor that he po 
rich materials on the present occasion for a map of th 
of Australia which he has explored. —— 
