296 
FROM SOCCATOO TO DUNRORA. 
whole of the journey, were restive and unmanageable, frequently 
throwing off their loads, and detaining us on the way by their 
wanton pranks. The roads were of the very worst description ; at 
one moment obliged to carry the loads ourselves over dangerous 
precipices, and at the next up to our waist in mud and water on 
the low grounds. Two Fellatas came to see me this day, but made 
no observations. 
17th. — Pursuing our journey at half-past five in the morning, 
arrived at a town called Dungoora at two in the afternoon. It 
rained heavily during this day’s journey, and consequently got wet 
to the skin on halting. The water rushed in torrents through 
the valleys, and in some places on the hills the beasts sank to 
their knees in mud and dirt. Crossed a large river to-day, named 
Ixary, flowing to the south-east, our course being to the south-south- 
west. The country traversed is hilly and thickly wooded ; the soil 
rich and fertile. Not being able to obtain provisions, and every 
article being wet through, obliged to remain in our wet clothes all 
night, without fire or food. 
18th.— At 6 A. M. proceeded on our journey, and arrived at 
Dunrora at 6 P. M. Our route, some parts of the day, lay over 
steep and craggy precipices, some of them being of a most awful 
height. On the summit of one of these places the path was barely 
wide enough for a single beast to pass. The horse that carried 
the portmanteaus, in which were the journal, papers, watches, &c. 
struck himself against a piece of rock projecting over the road, and 
was precipitated a distance of eighty yards, the ropes which were 
bound round the portmanteaus arresting his further progress. I 
was horror-struck on observing the poor little animal tumbling 
head over heels down the frightful declivity, and was much afraid 
he would be dashed to pieces, the portmanteaus broken, and their 
contents destroyed ; but was most happy to see him entangled in 
some stunted trees which fortunately grew on the side of the pre- 
