PREPARATIONS FOR EXPLORING. 39 



necessary, as from the great fall of the tide we were 

 obliged at that time to have at least seven fathoms. 

 We were now surrounded on all sides by flat shores, 

 and from the mast head, I could trace the low land 

 forming the western side of the principal channel. 

 The high land south of M'Adam Range, was found 

 to terminate in a remarkable peak, which in the 

 certainty of our search proving successful, we 

 named River Peak. It was almost blended in one 

 with a range beyond, yet the fact of the distance 

 which really existed between them, did not escape 

 our anxious observation ; and it was indeed in the 

 different shade of these two ranges, one being less 

 distinct than the other, that we found ample confir- 

 mation of our hopes. 



It was soon arranged that Captain Wickham and 

 myself, should at once dispell all doubts, and that 

 next morning, Messrs. Fitzmaurice and Keys should 

 start to explore the river-like opening, under the 

 south end of M'Adam Range, to which we have 

 above alluded. 



Our preparations were rapidly made, a few days 

 provisions were stowed away in the boat, and as 

 the western sky glowed red in the expiring light of 

 day, the gig was running before a north-west breeze, 

 for the chasm in the distant high land, bearing 

 S. 20" E., twelve miles from the ship. As we 

 advanced, the separations in the range became more 

 marked and distinct, as long as the light served us, 

 but presently darkness wrapped all in impenetrable 



