"the plains of promise." 317 



as Sir W. Hooker, who kindly examined some that I 

 brought to England, is of a rich quality, confirming 

 the opinion I entertained of it, which suggested 

 for this part of the continent, the name of *' The 

 Plains of Promise." 



We were now once more stepping out over a terra 

 incognita ; and though no alpine features greeted 

 our eyes as they wandered eagerly over the vast 

 level, all was clothed with the charm of novelty. 

 The feelings of delight which are naturally aroused 

 in those whose feet for the first time press a new 

 and rich country, and which I have so often before 

 endeavoured in vain to express, burst forth on this 

 occasion with renewed intensity. 



At the end of nearly four miles we turned off 

 to the westward for a rise at a short distance, 

 concealino- the line of trees that marked the course 

 of the river, from which we had been gradually 

 receding. We found it to be on the opposite side 

 of a water-course twenty-five feet deep. From its 

 summit we got a view of the country to the south- 

 west, over the growth of trees at the margin of 

 the river.* 



On this rise we met an emu, which, after several 

 bad shots, got away from the whole of us. This, in 

 some measure was owing to our over eagerness, as 

 the bird was at first inclined to approach. Pro- 

 ceeding a little farther we observed a small lake 

 bearing north half a mile. Attracted by the beauty 

 * See the view annexed. 



