390 NATIVE WELL 



But it was not until it became apparent to my own 

 eyes, that I could believe any one could be so reckless 

 as to induce a large number of individuals, including 

 women and children, by false, or at least exaggerated 

 representations, to sever the ties of kindred and of 

 friendship, and become voluntary exiles to a far 

 country, in search of a new and more prosperous 

 home ; whilst in lieu of the promised streams and 

 fertile plains, nothing in reality awaited them but 

 sterility — the certain loss of property, and the immi- 

 nent risk of their lives. 



Descending, we found the party left below in the 

 dry bed of a water-course had failed in their endea- 

 vour to procure water by digging ; we, therefore, as 

 we supposed, had no resource but to return, exhausted 

 as we were, to the brackish water-pools we had seen 

 in the Chapman or Greenough. Happily, how- 

 ever, our dog discovered a deep hole under a droop- 

 ing gum, which proved to be a native well, and 

 after clearing and digging deeper, afforded our 

 thirst relief. The soil through which this well was 

 sunk was a light alluvial deposit, based on sand 

 six feet below the surface. Numerous native paths 

 and deep holes, from which the warran root had 

 been extracted, encircle this spot ; some neigh- 

 soil became freely mixed witli ironstone and pebbles, the vege- 

 tation was more stunted, consisting principally of a prickly bush, 

 mingled with coarse brown grass. During the whole time of 

 our ramble, we saw only three kangaroos, and five emus ; and 

 in some parts of the tall scrub were wallaby tracks." 



