EXPLORING EXPEDITION. 55 



down the creek prospecting, selecting a spot lower down the little 

 water channel than where Fred worked yesterday. The others 

 engaged in mending saddles and preparing for a start on Monday. 

 Geological specimens Nos. 79 to 84 collected. 



Sunday, July 7 th. — Mount Olga. Bar. 28-100in., ther. 38°. — 

 Beetson and Warman went for a ramble round the foot of the 

 mount. Beetson returned with material for several sketches of the 

 most striking poinis of interest. Noticed several blacks' fires close 

 by, and I thought we should have had the pleasure of their com- 

 pany, but none came within sight. The little streamlet that here 

 leaves the mountain runs over a stone pavement for 2U0 or 300 

 yards, shaded by the smooth and perpendicular cliffs. We imagine 

 what a cool, clean retreat this must be from the blinding rays of 

 the summer's sun — " The shadow of a great rock in a weary 

 land." Being cold winter weather we seek the sunshine and 

 watch for the sun's rays to reach us. As the great shadow is 

 gradually withdrawn from the plain it reaches its base about 9 

 a.m. Went up the gorge to take some photographs, and in one 

 or two small hollows was some crystal clear water about three or 

 four inches deep. The bottoms of these little rock basins had all 

 the appearance of the most exquisite mosaic work. The water 

 rushing from the surrounding slopes in times of rain had forced 

 out every particle of sand and foreign matter and left the many- 

 colored conglomerate perfectly clean, and seen through the clear 

 water was a most beautiful sight. Some years ago I attempted the 

 ascent of this mountain and failed. I know the country around 

 for over 100 miles. Its height is already determined (1,500ft.), 

 and no object would be gained by attempting it again. To reach 

 that point all that would be required would be a rocket and line 

 to draw up a rope ladder, and then a mortal with sufficient nerve to 

 make the ascent. It is quite evident that this place has not been 

 visited by whites since Giles and I were here in 1874. I leave 

 behind two camel packsaddles and four boxes, and being on stony 

 ground and in perpetual shade they will remain there a long time 

 without injury. 



Monday. July 8th.— Camp No. 61. Bar. 28-050in., ther. 33°. 

 Fine, bright, clear. — After having been to see Tooroo, 1 decided to 

 leave here to-day. It is evident his recovery will take a very 

 long time, for, in addition to his internal ailment, he is suffering 

 from an injury to one of his hind legs. Upon this he was never 

 strong, and 1 think that in one of the bogs at Lake Amadeus he 

 must have again injured it. A. more beautiful and luxuriant spot 

 could not be found for him to recruit in, and 1 sincerely hope he 

 may recover. Started easterly at 12-15, taking the south side of 

 the range. Travelled over well-grassed mulga flats for five miles ; 

 at seven miles occasional patches of spinifex were passed over. 

 Camped at 4 - 30, having travelled ten miles. Bar. 28"300in., ther. 

 74° at 5 p.m. 



