Interior of New Holland. 
357 
spreading over some grassy level or other. I have found, too, in 
the course of my experience, that its creeks rise as suddenly as 
they terminate; and that a concavity of any size is sufficient in 
this country, where the rains occasionally descend in torrents, to 
accumulate waters, the weight and impetus of which would be 
sufficient to cut out channels of such size as would justify the 
belief that it was a river; and although I will not take upon myself 
to say that it does not exist beyond the boundless plains to which 
I traced it up, I think that Cooper’s Creek has such an origin. 
If that creek were nearer it would be a most valuable feature in 
the interior; as it is, it is worthless. 
I trust I shall not be considered presumptuous in stating, that 
in a geographical point of view the results of this expedition have 
been as complete as if it had passed over the richest lawns. If I 
did not gain the heart of the continent, no one will refuse me the 
credit of having taken a direct course for it. My distance from 
that hitherto mysterious spot was less than 200 miles. In ten 
days I should have reached the goal, and my task would have 
been accomplished, if rain had fallen when I was at my farthest 
north. It was a point from which, without rain, I could not move. 
It was not, however, permitted me to do that which I so ardently 
desired. I failed—not, I hope, from any want of energy on my 
part, but because Providence did not vouchsafe to me on this great 
occasion the success that had attended my former efforts. Had I 
found such a river as the Victoria, I would have clung to it to the 
last; but those alone will really know the nature of the country 
into which I penetrated who shall follow me into it. 
For myself, I can only say that I would not hesitate again 
plunging into those dreary and inhospitable regions to be the first 
to place my foot in the centre of this vast territory, and finally to 
raise the veil which still shrouds its features, even although, like 
those of the veiled prophet, they should wither the beholder. 
