218 
SALT LAKE. 
The water generally appeared shallow, but in some 
places it was very deep ; after tracing it for five miles r 
and going round one end of it, I found no junction 
with the sea, though the fragments of shells and other 
marine remains, clearly shewed that there must have 
been a junction at no very remote period. The sand 
hummocks between the lake and the sea being very 
high, I ascended them to take bearings, and then 
returning to the lake halted, with the black boy who 
had accompanied me, to bathe, and rest ourselves. 
The weather was most intensely hot, and our walk 
had been long and fatiguing, amongst sand hills 
under a noonday sun. We fully appreciated the 
luxury of a swim, and especially as we were lucky 
enough to find a hole of fresh water on the edge of 
the lake, to slake our parching thirst. Ducks, teal, 
and pigeons were numerous, and the recent traces of 
natives apparent everywhere. It was after sunset 
when we returned, tired and weary, to our camp. 
November 15. — In the morning we started as 
early as possible to get the stage over before the 
great heat of the day came on, still accompanied and 
guided by the friendly natives, who took us through 
the best and most open line of country. At six 
miles we entered a very dense scrub, leaving to the 
north of us, several patches of open plains ; to the 
north-east were seen the smokes of several fires. 
The natives had told us that there was water out in 
that direction, at a short day’s journey; but, as 
they did not wish us to go to it, I inferred that they 
