THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 41 



Upper Russell River and he gladly accompanied me. The 

 punt was again in commisssion, her crew consisting of Mr. 

 Davidson, myself, and two hands. Taking six weeks' pro- 

 visions we started in a light rain, which soon increased to a 

 regular soaker. We collected on our way up, and camping 

 on the banks at night time keeping watch against thb 

 myalls who are particularly savage and treacherous in this 

 district. We had great difficulty in navigating the rapids, 

 having to go against the current for 20 miles, and our progress 

 was very slow, all hands having to get out and push the punt 

 through the water. So strong was the current in some places 

 that we only made a quarter of a mile in the hour, the current 

 taking us nearly off our feet. When we had been three weeks 

 out the river, owing to continuous heavy rains, rose 25 feet 

 above its ordinary level so that we could proceed no further, 

 after having come 34 miles. In trying to land that night our 

 punt capsized, and one swag, with 150 rounds of ammunition, 

 was lost, though we succeeded in saving everything in a 

 soaked condition, and made our sunken punt fast. 



Next morning we stripped, and went out to our sunken punt 

 by means of a line, and, after two hours' hard work, succeeded in 

 getting it ashore, and loaded her for the return journey. The 

 river was running nearly 20 miles an hour, and we expected 

 a rapid run home. To guard against accidents we remained 

 naked, and getting into the punt I cut the painter. Instantly 

 we were sent with frightful velocity down the stream, and it was 

 with great difficulty we could keep from getting broadside on. 

 For about half an hour we travelled in this way, when, getting 

 into an eddy, we lost all control over the boat, which was hurled 

 against a huge snag, and she immediately filled and sank, 

 taking myself with her, through my leg getting fouled with the 

 remainder of the painter. I was kicking away for dear life, 

 when by some means the boat overturned and came to the 

 surface. Getting free, I clambered on to the bottom, and was 

 carried about a quarter of a mile, when, coming into still water, 

 I left the punt and made for the shore in double-quick time, 

 knowing that the river was infested with alligators. We travelled 

 for three days and nights, without food or clothing, until we 

 reached a settler's, who kindly furnished us with both. We got 

 to camp next day. 



After resting for two or three days we again set forth, with 

 the object of attaining the summit of Mount Bellenden-Ker, if 

 possible. After the first day rain again commenced, which 

 increased the difficulties we had to contend with. We travelled 

 eight miles up to our waists in water, and at times had to join 

 hands and form a chain, to keep from being swept away. 

 Leaving the creek at French's Falls, we ascended the opposite 

 bank to the one chosen on our first attempt, as it was impossible 



