96 PREPAEATIONS FOR CROSSING. [CH. IV. 



After maturely considering the prospects this river opened 

 to us then, before exploring its course, it remained question- 

 able whether it did or did not belong to the Darling. We 

 were nearly in the prolongation of the supposed course of 

 that river, and still nearer to its supposed outlet on the 

 southern coast, than we were to any part of the northern 

 coast of Australia. No rising ground could be seen to the 

 northward or westward, and whether we proceeded in a boat 

 or along its bank, it was desirable to explore the course of 

 this river downwards. The horses required rest, and it was 

 necessary to unite the party before this could be attempted. 

 I expected Mr. Finch to arrive with the stores, and in the 

 meantime, the preparation of a strong boat was going for- 

 ward, to be ready in case our further discoveries might lead 

 to navigable waters. With this view it was made to take 

 into three pieces. The bottom being nearly flat, formed one 

 portion, and the two sides the others. They were to be united 

 by small screw-bolts, the carpenter having brought a number 

 of these useful articles for such purposes ; and when the 

 sides and bottom were detached they could be carried on the 

 carts. Thus we were to proceed with a portable punt, ready 

 for the passage of any river or water, which might be in our 

 way. 



Jan. 25. — This day, we laid down the keel and principal 

 timbers of a boat to be strongly planked, so as to be proof 

 against the common drift-timber in the river. For this part 

 of the work we used blue gum (eucalyptus), the only callitris 

 we knew of being several miles back along the route. 



At night some stars appeared, whereby I ascertained the 

 latitude of this camp to be 29° 2' south. The thermometer 

 at noon was 70° ; and at four p. m. 82°. 



Eel-fisii. — Colour, silvery. The dorsal fin placed lialf way between tlic pec- 

 toral and ventral has six rays, of which the middle two are the longest. 

 ( Plate G. fig. 2. page 44.) 



Obs. — This is an Asiatic form of fish ; whereas the Grisles is an American 

 furm. Tnndan, is the aboriginal name. 



