Interior of New Holland. 
199 
found some water in a small creek. He had had great difficulty 
in regaining the camp, in consequence of the rapidity with which 
the water had dried up ; and certainly deserved my best thanks 
for his exertions on this long and trying journey. 
Mr. Poole’s survey of the N.W. interior satisfied me still more 
that a westerly course (the one I desired to take as soon as 
circumstances would permit) was not yet open to me, for not¬ 
withstanding the copious rain we had had, it was evident 1 should 
have to proceed with great caution. I had not at that time any 
fear as to our retreat being cut off, but it admitted of great doubt 
whether or not I should be forced up the Darling; although I 
would never suffer my own mind to dwell on such a contingency. 
It was evident, however, that we should now have cautiously to 
feel our way. Prior to the return of Mr. Poole, 1 sent Flood to 
the north, in search of water, but he was unsuccessful. On the 
5th I again sent him out with Mark, desiring him to return 
immediately if he should find water in any quantities, our supplies 
being very precarious where we were. In the mean time another 
base line was measured to correct any errors in our bearings. 
On the 7tli Flood returned, having struck a line little creek with 
an abundance of water in it, to which it was liis opinion we could 
move without risk. On the 9th, therefore, we struck the tents, 
and reached our destination early on the 10th. Flood was quite 
right in his estimate of this pretty little spot. The creek was 
narrow but deep, and the water-hole was overhung by thick gum 
trees, so that if was the prettiest spot on which we had sojourned. 
The grass was really good about it, and I felt that here we might 
rest for a time; and to show Flood that I appreciated his services 
on this occasion, I called the creek, “ Flood’s Creek.” But 
although in a place of present security we had no time to pause. 
It was surprising to see the rapid disappearance of moisture and 
the decrease of the largest water-holes. The country to the 
N.W. being impracticable; on the llth I sent Mr. Poole and 
Mr. Browne to the north, with instructions to keep near the 
ranges, so as to have the greater chance of intercepting any 
water-fall. On the 13th, I myself proceeded to the eastward to 
examine the lower country between me and the Darling, from 
o 2 
