CHAPTER IV. 



Continue along the Bogan, guided by the natives— Their caution in approach- 

 ing the haunts of others — Their accurate knowledge of localities — Introduced 

 to the Bungan tribe— Superiority of the king how displayed— Dangerous 

 mistake — A true savage — The king of the Bogan takes his leave— Kanga- 

 roos numerous — Beauty of the shrubs — Dangerous consequence of surprising 

 a native — Wounded native led to our camp — His coniidence gained by kind 

 treatment — Oxley's Table-land — Mr. Larmer's excursion to it — Narrow 

 escape from the loss of the cattle — The party followed by a clamorous tribe 

 —A parley — Their various complexions — Decorous behaviour — Naked plains 

 — A native visitor— Soft earth of the plains— Ride to the Darling— The 

 water sweet — The party encamps on a favourable position on the river. 



May 6. — Guided by Tackijally we proceeded, crossing 

 the Bogan for the first time, and travelling along its right 

 bank to Bugubada, a distance of eight miles. 



May 7. — Proceeded, again accompanied by Tackijally, 

 under the orders of the king, who compelled him to go, al- 

 though he seemed very unwilling or lazy. The advantage of 

 having such guides was, that being now uncertain as to the 

 farther course of the Bogan, which had taken a great bend 

 northward, we could thus make straight for each proposed 

 water-hole, without following the bends of the river. The 

 knowledge of the people was so exact as to localities, that I 

 could ascertain in setting out, the true bearing of those places 

 by the direction in which they pointed ; and in travelling on 

 such a bearing, any obstacle in the way, was sure to be avoided 

 by following the suggestions of the natives. In this manner, 

 we now travelled. Another great advantage gained in the 

 company of the natives was, our being perfectly safe from the 

 danger of sudden collision with a tribe. Their caution, in 

 approaching water-holes was most remarkable; for they 

 always cooyed from a great distance, and even on coming 



