24 
GOYDER’S REPORT ON THE COUNTRY [Nov. 9, 1857. 
north-west of Blanche water, from which we obtained a tolerable 
view of the country in the immediate vicinity ; from whence we 
directed our attention to a lagoon of fresh water 2 miles farther 
north, emanating from a number of delicious springs, which extend 
over a considerable area, the water running in little streams from 
fissures in the rocks, which protrude for several feet above the plain. 
Still farther to the north these springs increase in size, and are sur- 
rounded by masses of reeds, near which stand the remains of a 
native encampment. The ground for a considerable distance around 
is covered with the salt of ammonia, having a similar appearance to 
snow after a partial thaw, but so nearly resembling the common salt 
as to make it difficult to divest oneself of the idea that the springs 
are not really brine. 
About half a mile north of the Reedy and Rocky Springs, we 
ascended a hill, which, although of no great height, was peculiarly 
conspicuous, and which, from its appearance, we named Weathered 
Hill ; the lower portion being of slate surmounted by a coronet of 
sandstone — the whole surrounded by sand, separated by the action 
of the atmosphere from its once elevated summit. 
In the extreme distance, to the north and north-east, we perceived 
a belt of gigantic gums, beyond which appeared a sheet of water 
with lands on the opposite side evidently increasing in elevation. 
There also seemed to be a large lake about 1 0 miles to the east ; but 
this our previous experience told us had no existence. To the north- 
east, the MacDonnell continued its course, diverging into a number 
of channels as the rocks neared the surface, and again converging 
into one as the depth of soil increased. To the south-east, the 
extreme end of the eastern range was still visible, Mount Hopeful 
bearing south 32° east, and apparently about 30 miles distant. 
From Weathered Hill, we descended in a north-easterly direc- 
tion to the MacDonnell, following its course down for about 7 miles, 
passing several large and permanent waters, the last of which, about 
half a mile long, 50 yards wide, and very deep, was extremely fine, 
having a native encampment on the eastern bank, at its lower end. 
The wurleys did not appear to have been used since the rain, how- 
ever, the floors being caked over and cracked by the heat of the sun. 
They are- constructed in a similar manner to those described by 
Captain Sturt, and are warm and comfortable, the largest capable of 
holding from thirty to forty persons, being quite round, from 3 to 4 
feet high, and entered by a semicircular opening, through which we 
were obliged to creep. This water we named the Werta-warta, from 
the name of the tribe frequenting the plains north of the Blanche. 
Next day we continued our course to the north-east, down the bed 
