206 
FEAST ON A SWAN. 
tion. Wherever we landed upon its banks, we found the 
calistemma in full flower, and in the richest profusion. 
There was, also, an abundance of grass, where before there 
had been no signs of vegetation, and those spots which we 
had condemned as barren were now clothed with a green 
and luxuriant carpet. So difficult is it to judge of a coun- 
try on a partial and hurried survey, and so differently does 
it appear at different periods. I was rejoiced to find that 
the rains had not swollen the river, for I was apprehensive 
that heavy falls had taken place in the mountains, and 
was unprepared for so much good fortune. 
The poles we cut were of no great use to us, and we soon 
laid them aside, and took to our oars. Fortune seemed to 
favour us exceedingly. The men rallied, and we succeeded 
in killing a good fat swan, that served as a feast for all. 
I imagine the absence of mud and weeds of every kind in 
the Murray, prevents this bird from frequenting its waters. 
On the 18th, we found ourselves entering the reedy 
country, through which we had passed with such doubt 
and anxiety. Every object elicited some remark from the 
men, and I was sorry to find they reckoned with certainty 
on seeing Harris at the depot, as I knew they would 
be proportionally depressed in spirits if disappointed. 
However, I promised Clayton a good repast as soon as we 
should see him. 
I had walked out with M'Leay a short distance from the 
river, and had taken the dogs. They followed us to the 
camp on our return to it, but the moment they saw us 
