268 Far North-West Exploration. ' [,sf April 



cross the head waters of the Gulf, it was necessary to make a detour round 

 the south of the Cockburn Range, and then circle to the north through the 

 ranges which flank the western side of the Cambridge Gulf. Forrest River 

 was reached at a spot about 20 miles from the mouth, where it had been 

 arranged that a supply boat should call about the middle of August. The 

 boat duly put in an appearance, and, re-stocked with provisions, the party 

 set out from the river at the end of August. It was with great difficulty 

 that a crossing of the river was effected, on account of the precipitous 

 banks. As a matter of fact, three days' travelling sufficed only to take the 

 party a distance of three miles on their way as the crow flies. They were 

 equipped with 18 horses, most of which were used as pack animals. On 

 the way to the head a fine stream, which was named the Berkley River, 

 was met with and followed a distance of some 70 miles. Along its course 

 were many magnificent pools or reaches, bordered with palms and other 

 luxuriant vegetation. It wound for the most part between flat-topped 

 hills, and discharged into the sea near Mt. Casuarina. This mount, the 

 most outstanding feature along that part of the coast, was some 1,000 feet 

 in height, and was used by mariners in taking their bearings. The 

 mountain had never yet been ascended by whites. Upon climbing its 

 thickly-wooded slopes the party found at the summit species of birds which 

 were not found anywhere else throughout the trip. A fortnight was spent 

 in the vicinity of Mt. Casuarina, and an investigation conducted of the 

 wonderfully deep ravines and gorges, in which was found tropical 

 vegetation in profusion. A course was then laid for Drysdale River, and on 

 the way another fine stream was met with and named King George River. 

 This was found to empty itself into the sea near Cape Rulhieres. After 

 passing this river there was an exceedingly rough stage as far as the Napier 

 Broome Mission Station, which was reached on 22nd October. This was 

 the turning point, at which it was expected there would be a vessel contain- 

 ing supplies for the march back. 



Whilst waiting for supplies the party explored the country 100 miles to 

 the west of Admiralty Gulf, following more or less the course of the King 

 Edward River. In this locality they came across a good deal of basaltic 

 country, richly grassed. The scenery inland was magnificent, while the 

 littoral scenery was of the wildest description. So tremendous were the 

 cliffs and bluffs of the gulf that it was impossible to reach the sea from 

 inland without going a long way round. The outstanding feature about 

 here was Mt. Connor, which is 1,000 feet high. The seaward slope was 

 covered with tropical scrub which very much resembled that of Queensland. 

 It was expected that the collections made here would yield several entirely 

 new specimens of birds. As a district it was perhaps the most promising 

 that they saw. If it had not been for the heavy tropical rains, the party 

 would have made a longer stay about the gulf, but as there were now five 

 big rivers dividing them from Wyndham, it was imperative that a start 

 should be made for home. 



On return to the mission station it was found that the vessel had not put 

 in an appearance, and as supplies at the station were running short it was 

 decided to push on as fast as possible. So, after a week's spell for the 

 horses, the party set their faces for Wyndham, a distance of 350 miles, with 

 only a week's full provisions in their packs. They left the mission station 

 on 7th December, and, setting out for the Drysdale River, reached 

 Brockman's camp, " F.B. 85." The river was followed for several days, and 

 at last the point was reached where Mr. Brockman could get no further and 

 was obliged to turn back. It was here that great difficulties were 

 encountered. It was necessary for them to force a passage through the 

 range on to a high sandstone table-land, which took them two days to 

 accomplish. This was part of a table-land which stretched from Cape 

 Londonderry to the head waters of the Forrest River. The table-land 

 here was estimated at about 2,800 feet above sea-level. In the course of 



