MR. HUME’S excursion. 
63 
on which the wild fowl were numerous, running nearly 
north and south, and he rested on its banks for the night. 
The timber consisted both of blue and rough gum, and the 
soil was a light earth. 
Mr. Hume expected in the course of the day to have 
I’eached the Macquarie, but on arriving at the creek, he 
began to doubt whether it any longer existed, or whether 
it had not taken a more westerly direction. On the fol- 
lowing morning, therefore, he crossed the creek, and tra- 
velled W. S. W., for about two miles over good plains ; 
then through light brushes of swamp-oak, cypress, box, 
and acacia pendula, for about twelve miles, to another 
creek leading northerly. He shortly afterwards ascended 
a range of hills stretching W.N.W. to which he gave the 
name of New Year’s Range. From these hills, he had an 
extensive view, although not upon the highest part, but 
the only break he could see in the horizon was caused by 
some hills bearing by compass W. by S. distant about 
twenty-five miles. There was, however, an appearance as 
of high land to the northward, although Mr. Hume 
thought it might have been an atmospheric deception. 
From the range he looked in vain for the Macquarie, or 
other waters, and, as his provisions were nearly consumed, 
he was obliged to give up all further pursuit, and to retrace 
his steps. He fell in with two parties of natives, which, 
taken collectively, amounted to thirty-five in number, but 
had no communication with them. 
It was evident, fiom the above account, that supposing a 
