FIRING OF THE GRF.AT MARSHES. 
113 
ceased to flow, and now consisted of a chain of ponds. 
Such of the minor vegetation as had escaped the fires of the 
natives, had perished under the extreme heat of the season. 
The acacia pendula stood leafless upon the plains, and the 
polygonum junceum appeared to be the only plant that had 
withstood the effects of the drought. Yet, notwithstanding 
this general depression of the vegetable kingdom, the ani- 
mals that had been brought from Wellington Valley were 
in the best condition, and were, indeed, too fat for effective 
labour ; it might, therefore, be reasonably yjresumed, that 
herbage affording such nourishment in so unfavourable a 
season, would be of the richest quality, if fresh and vigorous 
under the influence of seasonable, and not excessive, rains. 
The appearance of the country was, however, truly me- 
lancholy ; there was not a flower in bloom, nor a green object 
to be seen. Whether our arrival had Increased their alarm, 
is uncertain, but the natives continued to fire the great 
marshes, and as the element raged amongst them, large 
bodies of smoke rose over the horizon like storm clouds, 
and had the effect of giving additional dreariness to the 
scene. I am inclined to think that they made these confla- 
grations to procure food, by seizing whatsoever might issue 
from the flames, as snakes, birds, or other animals j for they 
had taken every fish in the river, and the low state of its waters 
had enabled them to procure an abundance of muscles from 
its bed, which they had consumed with their characteristic 
improvidence. They were, consequently, in a starving con- 
dition, and so pitiable were their indications of it, that I 
VOL. I. > 
