106 
STATE OF THE WEATHER. 
overseer to visit the camp where the two native 
children had been left, and to see what had been 
their fate. 
During the day I employed myself in writing ; 
the weather was excessively close and oppressive, with 
heavy clouds coming up from the S. W. against 
the wind at N. E. At night it blew almost a 
hurricane, accompanied by a few drops of rain, after 
which, the wind then veered round to the north. 
The 19th was another oppressive hot day, with a 
northerly wind, and clouds of dust which darkened 
the air so that we could not see the hills distinctly, 
although we w T ere close under them. The flies were 
also incessant in their persecuting attacks. What 
with flies and dust, and heat and indisposition, I 
scarcely ever remember to have spent a more dis- 
agreeable day in my life. My eyes were swollen and 
very sore, and altogether I was scarcely able to 
attend to any thing or employ myself in any pro- 
fitable way. 
August 20. — Some slight showers during the 
night made the weather cool and pleasant, the day 
too was cloudy, and I was enabled to occupy myself 
in charting, working out observations, &c. whilst 
Mr. Scott, by shooting, supplied us with some wal- 
labies. This animal is very like a rabbit when run- 
ning, and quite as delicate and excellent in eating. 
August 21. — Not having seen the natives for the 
last two days, I thought I might venture to explore 
the watercourse we were encamped upon, and set off 
