158 Kennedy's expedition. 



attempt to draw them out. It was ten o'clock at 

 night before we had got the things over, and as 

 soon as we had partaken of our late dinner we made 

 a large fire to dry our clothes^ which had become 

 completely saturated by the labours of the day. 



Mr. Kennedy arrived at the determination this 

 day; to leave the carts behind at this camp, as they 

 caused so much extra labour and delay in travelling. 



July 16th. — Sunday, we halted, and had prayers 

 read at eleven o'clock. 



July 17th. — We got up early, and prepared all 

 the loads ready for starting, but we were obhged to 

 leave many things behind, that would have been 

 very essential to the successful prosecution of aU the 

 objects of the expedition ; my specimen box, a cross- 

 cut saw, pickaxes, and various other articles which 

 it was considered were too heavy to be carried on 

 horseback. We, however, took good care that not 

 an ounce of provisions of any description should be 

 left behind. The sugar and tea were more compactly 

 packed than heretofore, and the packages in which 

 they had formerly been carried were left behind. 



Near this camp a large swamp extended south- 

 westward, but it was clear of scrub, containing 

 nothing but Melaleucas of moderate size. 



July 18th. — Having loaded the horses, we started 

 at eight o'clock this morning, in good hope and 

 high spirits, rejoicing to have got rid of one great 

 impediment to our progress. The blacks regarded 

 us with curious interest as we proceeded on our way. 



