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CHAPTER III. 
Character of the Morumbidgee where it issues from the hilly country — 
Appearance of approach to swamps — Hamilton Plains — Inter- 
course with the natives — Their appearance, customs, &c. — Change 
in the character of the river — Mirage — Dreariness of the country 
— Ride towards the Lachlan river' — Two boats built and launched 
on the Morumbidgee ; and the drays, with part of the men, sent 
back to Goulburn Plains. 
From our camp, the Morumbidgee held a direct westerly 
course for about three miles. The hills under which we 
had encamped, rose so close upon our right as to leave 
little space between them and the river. At the distance 
of three miles, however, they suddenly terminated, and the 
river changed its direction to the S. W., while a chain of 
ponds extended to the westward, and separated the alluvial 
flats from a somewhat more elevated plain before us. We 
kept these ponds upon our left for some time, but, as they 
ultimately followed the bend of the river, we left them- 
The blacks led us on a W. by S. course to the base of a 
small range two or three miles distant, near which there 
was a deep lagoon. It was evident they here expected to 
have found some other natives. Being disappointed, how- 
