EXPLORING EXPEDITION. 33 



we did not get away until 11-45. The ground was very soft in 

 many places. Started on a bearing of S. 82° W., which in two 

 miles took us clear of the surrounding hills. At this point we 

 found a brisk little stream running, the result of the late rains ; the 

 water continued to run for a quarter of a mile, and was then lost 

 in the sands. From here we took up a bearing of S. 80° W. to- 

 wards the south point of low hills; travelled over spinifex plains- 

 for six miles, then desert oaks and an occasional sandhill were 

 passed. Camped at 4-45 at the south end of stony hills, on a 

 sandhill where there was fairly good feed for the camels, having- 

 come about nine miles from Mount Leisler. From this point 

 Mount Leisler and the Kintore Range form a noble and imposing 

 spectacle, but instead of offering rest and shelter to the weary 

 traveller through these dreary wastes, it must always be viewed as 

 a beacon of warning, like the lighthouse at sea which warns the 

 mariner of points of danger. So the only practical result of my 

 visit to Mount Leisler is that this mountain will fulfil a useful 

 purpose by warning the future traveller to avoid its dry and 

 waterless surroundings. Even in times of heavy rains it would 

 be far better to try any of the lower hills or ranges in the locality. 

 Bar. 28-4()0in.,ther. 64° at 5 p.m. 



Saturday, June 1 st. — Camp No. 37. Bar. 28*470in., ther. 44°. — 

 Morning fine and bright. The dew was so heavy last night that 

 everything was saturated. As the camels were at hand, we got 

 away at 8- 15. Our waterkegs when I left Mount Leisler. were 

 not so full as they should have been, and before entering into the 

 sandhill country I was anxious to replenish them ; so with this 

 view I started the caravan towards the line of low stony hills that 

 were about ten miles distant, and bearing N. 55° W. travelled over 

 spinifex country, and upon reaching the foot of the hills found a 

 little running stream that was the result of the rains that fell 

 while while we were at the Kintore Hange. While the kegs were 

 being filled, I went to the top of the low range to take angles. 

 Observed a range of hills bearing N. 80° W., distant about 

 thirty miles. These I named after the Minister of Education, &c, 

 the Hon. J. H. Gordon, M.L.C. Another line of hills bearing N. 

 25° E., distant about twelve miles, I named after Mr. Charles- 

 Winnecke, F.Pt.G.S.. of Adelaide. The Du Faur Hills appear 

 about thirty miles away. I carefully and repeatedly scanned the 

 western horizon, but no distinctive features appeared above the 

 oak forests that extended in that direction. The kegs being 

 filled I started upon a bearing of S. 64 W. for the lake ; travelled 

 through oak forest for eight miles, and reached the north shore. 

 At the point we struck the lake the eastern end was distinctly 

 visible, so that I think it can form no part of Lake Amadeus. The 

 view across the lake was much distorted by mirage. A range of 

 hills appeared upon its south shore, distant about thirty miles. 

 The lake seemed to extend indefinitely to the southwards upon 



