CH. II. j SOCIAL ENCAMPMENT. 171 



scene in this well-watered valley, from that of the parched 

 and silent region from which we had just descended. The 

 natives, whom we met here, were fine looking men, enjoying 

 contentment and happiness, within the precincts of their 

 native woods. Their enjoyment seemed derived so directly 

 from nature, that it almost excited a feeling of regret, that 

 civilized men, enervated by luxury and all its concomitant 

 diseases, should ever disturb the haunts of these rude but 

 happy beings. 



The first native who came up to me, was a fine specimen 

 of man in an independent state of nature. He had nothing 

 artificial about him, save the badge of mourning for the dead, 

 a white band (his was very white), around his brow. His 

 manner was grave, his eye keen and intelligent, and as our 

 people were encamping, he seemed to watch the moment 

 when they wanted fire, and presented a burning stick, which 

 one of the natives had brought, in a manner expressive of 

 welcome, and an unaffected wish to contribute to our wants. 

 At a distance their gins sat at fires, and we heard the domestic 

 sound of squalling children. The scene assumed a more ro- 

 mantic character when, 



" like a queen came forth the lovely moon 



From the slow opening curtains of the clouds. 

 Walking in beauty to her midnight throne,''* 



and the soft notes of the Doctor's flute fell pleasingly on 

 the ear, while the eye was equally gratified by the moon- 

 beams as they shot from the trees, amid the curling smoke 

 of our temporary encampment. The cattle were refreshing 

 in green pastures. It was Saturday night, and next day the 

 party was to rest. We had reached in one month, from Syd- 

 ney, the plains leading to the Darling, having placed all the 

 mountain ranges behind us, and these reflections heightened 

 our enjoyment of the scene around us, and sweetened our 

 repose. 



April 12. — Accompanied by Mr. Cunningham and three 



* Croly's Gems. 



