ANNOYED BY KANGAROO FLIES. 71 
to Norman, in the event of his being within hearing of the 
report. They must have been alarmed at so unusual a 
sound; but I am sure nothing was further from Mr. Hume’s 
intention than to intimidate them ; his knowledge of their 
manners and customs, as well as his partiality to the 
natives, being equally remarkable. The circumstance is, 
however, a proof of the great caution that is necessary in 
communicating with them. 
I have said that we remained stationary the day after 
we left the range, with a view to enjoy a little rest ; 
it would, however, have been infinitely better if we had 
moved forward. Our camp was infested by the kan- 
garoo fly, which settled upon us in thousands. They ap- 
peared to rise from the ground, and as fast as they were 
swept off were succeeded by fresh numbers. It was utterly 
impossible to avoid their persecution, penetrating as they 
did into the very tents. 
The men were obliged to put handkerchiefs over their 
faces, and stockings upon their hands; but they bit 
through every thing. It was to no purpose that I myself 
shifted from place to place; they still followed, or were 
equally numerous everywhere. To add to our discomfort, 
the animals were driven almost to madness, and galloped 
to and fro in so furious a manner that I was apprehensive 
some of them would have been lost. I never experienced 
such a day of torment ; and only when the sun set, did 
these little creatures cease from their attacks. 
It will be supposed that we did not stay to subject our- 
