34 
CONSULTATION. 
On gaining the point of the wood, we found an absolute 
check put to our further progress. We had been moving 
directly on the great body of the marsh, and from the 
wood it spread in boundless extent before us. It was evi- 
dently lower than the ground on which we stood ; we had, 
therefore, a complete view over the whole expanse ; and 
there was a dreariness and desolation pervading the scene 
that strengthened as we gazed upon it. Under existing 
circumstances, it only remained for us either to skirt the 
reeds to the northward, or to turn in again upon the river ; 
and as I considered it important to ascertain the direction 
of the Macquarie at so critical and interesting a point, I 
thought it better to adopt the latter measure. We, ac- 
cordingly, made for the river, and pitched our tents, as at 
the last station, in the midst of reeds. 
There were two points, at this time, upon which I was 
extremely anxious. The first was as to the course of the 
river ; the second, as to the extent of the marshes by which 
we had been checked, and the practicability of the country 
to the northward. 
In advising with Mr. Hume, I proposed launching the 
boat, as the surest means of ascertaining the former, and 
he, on his part, most readily volunteered to examine the 
marshes, in any direction I should point out. It was, 
therefore, arranged, that I should take two men, and a 
week’s provision with me in the boat down the river ; and 
that he should proceed with a like number of men on an 
excursion to the northward. 
