230 
EXPLORATORY JOURNEY 
he had been provided with a proper cable ; but that as 
he was not, he could not depend upon the vessel 
being safe, should a heavy swell set in from the south- 
east. Upon this report, I decided upon landing all 
the stores from the cutter ; and sending her to lay 
at a secure place on the west side of Denial Bay, 
until I returned from exploring the country, near the 
head of the Great Bight. On the 22nd, I gave 
orders to this effect, at the same time directing the 
captain to return to Fowler’s Bay by the 11th De- 
cember, at which time I hoped to have accomplished 
the journey I contemplated. 
On the same day I gave my overseer instructions 
for his guidance during my absence ; and after send- 
ing the drays on to the water behind Point Fowler, 
that they might be nearer to the vessel, I set off on 
horseback to the westward, accompanied by a 
native ; and taking with us a pack-horse to carry 
provisions. Crossing for about six miles through 
scrub, at a west by south course, we entered open 
grassy plains, among which were many beds of small 
dried up salt lakes. This description of country 
continued for about six miles, when we again 
entered a very dense scrub, and continued in it for 
eight miles, until we struck the coast. Not finding 
any indications of water or grass, I pushed up along 
the beach for three miles further, and was then 
obliged to encamp wdthout either, as it had become 
too dark to proceed. 
November 23. — Moving along the coast for ten 
