118 
ASCENT OF MOUNT SERLE. 
At ten miles from our camp, we came to a large 
watercourse, emanating from the Mount Serle 
range on the south side, and running close under its 
western aspect, with an abundance of excellent clear 
water in it. This I named the Frome, after the 
Surveyor-general of the colony, to whose kindness 
I was so much indebted in preparing my outfit and 
for the loan of instruments for the use of the expe- 
dition. 
Having watered our horses we tied them up to 
some trees, and commenced the ascent of Mount 
Serle on foot. The day was exceedingly hot, and 
we found our task a much harder one than we had 
anticipated, being compelled to wind up and down 
several steep and rugged ridges before we could 
reach the main one. 
At length, however, having overcome all diffi- 
culties we stood upon the summit of the mountain. 
Our view was then extensive and final. At one 
glance I saw the realization of my worst forebod- 
ings; and the termination of the expedition of 
which I had the command. Lake Torrens now faced 
us to the east, whilst on every side we were hemmed 
in by a barrier which we could never hope to pass. 
Our toils and labours and privations* had all been 
endured to no purpose ; and the only alterna- 
tive left us would be to return, disappointed and 
baffled. 
To the north and north-west the horizon was 
unbroken to the naked eye, but with the aid of a 
