338 PLAN OP ENCAMPMENT. [CU. vnr, 



which we took with us as live-stock, liatl answered the jDurpose 

 remarkably well, having, as already stated, rather mended 

 than otherwise during the journey. Their fatness how- 

 ever varied, according to the nature of the countries passed 

 through. They became soon very tame, and the last remain- 

 ing sheep followed the man in charge of it, and bleated after 

 him, when all his woolly companions had disappeared. 



Tbe two boats mounted on the carriage, were still in a 

 perfect state ; and, although we had not derived much ad- 

 vantage from them, still in no situation, had they appeared 

 a superfluous portion of our equipment. Possessing these, we 

 crossed the low soft plains and dry lagoons of the Darling, 

 without any apprehension of being entirely cut off by floods, 

 while we were always prepared to take advantage of navigable 

 waters, had we found any of that description. The carriage 

 with the boats, mounted on high, and covered with tarpaulin, 

 when placed beside the carts according to our plan of en- 

 campment, formed a sort of field-work, in which we were al- 

 ways ready for defence. We adhered to this, which had 

 been arranged, not less with a view to general convenience, 

 than for defensive purposes. The carts were drawn up in 

 one line, with the wheels close to each other (See the oppo- 

 site wood-cut) ; and parallel to it stood the boat carriage, 

 room being left between them for a line of men. We had 

 thus, at all times, a secure defence against spears and bom- 

 merengs, in case of any general attack. The light waggons 

 and tents were so disposed as to cover the flanks of our " car 

 borne" citadel, keeping in mind other objects also, as shewn on 

 the plan. 



The two light carts (0) covered one flank, the men's tents 

 (5, 5) the other. These light carts carried the instruments, 

 canteens, trunks, and articles in daily use. Tiie situations of 

 the different fires were regulated also, and only allowed to be 

 made in the places fixed for each. The door of my tent (2) 

 was usually towards the meridian (1), and in observing 

 stars it was desirable that no such light should shine before 

 the sextant glasses, nor any smoke impede the observa- 

 tions. By tlie accompanying plan it will be seen that no 



