CROSS THE UNDERAL1GA. 
21 
ed not only the flat we had traversed in approaching it, but 
also a second flat on the opposite side. The Morumbidgee 
came down to the foot of this little hill from the south, and, 
of course, running to the north, which latter direction it sud- 
denly takes up from a previous S. W. one, on meeting some 
hills that check its direct course. From the hill on which 
the hut stands, it runs away westward, almost in a direct 
line, for three miles, so that the position commands a view 
of both the reaches, which are overhung by the casuarina 
and flooded-gum. Rich alluvial flats lie to the right of the 
stream, backed by moderate hills, that were lightly studded 
with trees, and clothed with verdure to their summits. 
Some moderate elevations also backed a flat, on the left 
bank of the river, but the colour of the soil upon the latter^ 
as well as its depressed situation, shewed clearly that it was 
subject to flood, and had received the worst of the deposi- 
tions from the mountains. The hills behind it were also 
bare, and of a light red colour, betraying, as I imagined, a 
distinct formation from, and poorer character than, the hills 
behind us. At about three miles the river again suddenly 
changes its direction from west to south, for about a mile, 
when it inclines to the S. E. until it nearly encircles the 
opposite hills, when it assumes its proper direction, and 
flows away to the S.W. 
We crossed the Underaliga creek a little below the stock 
hut, and encamped about a mile beyond it, in the centre of 
a long plain. We were surrounded on every side by hills, 
from which there was no visible outlet, as they appeared 
