22 
We then altered our bearing to 334° for one and a half miles toa 
gap, through which Ilpilla, or MeMinn’s, Creek emerges. I now 
directed the main party to proceed to Illamurta, which was in 
sight, and following Ilpilla Creek for two miles into the ranges, 
at one and a half miles I found a nice little waterhole with an 
abundance of fish. On the hillside opposite the waterhole 
numerous caverns have been created by the decomposition of the 
rock. I had no time to examine these rude caves, which are said 
to contain specimens of native art. After mapping various portions 
of the ranges, I returned to the entrance of the gap, and from there 
followed the direction taken by the main party, one mile on a 
bearing of 235° and half a mile on a bearing of 297° 40’ to the 
Police Camp at Ilamurta Spring, at which we camped. This spring 
is situated in a small creek, and is easily found from its proximity 
toa huge and imposing pile of rocks, which form a striking feature 
in the range. The water appears only for a few chains in the 
creek and is of excellent quality. High ranges of quartzite and 
sandstone surround this spot to the south, west, and north. Mr. 
TT. Dare hospitably entertained us at his station during the evening. 
Professor Tate and Mr. Watt desiring, if possible, to examine 
further the geological structure of these ranges, and Professor 
Spencer being anxious to ayail himself of the opportunity afforded 
by the soil and humidity of the spring to perfect the biological 
collection, I have decided to remain in camp here to-morrow. We 
experienced a disagreeably close night, the only one yet experienced ; 
the thermometer at 10 p.m. registered 69°. Our elevation here is 
1,674ft. above sea level. 
Thursday, May 3lst.—Camp No. 238, Illamurta; bar. 28°22in., 
ther. 53°. A few drops of rain fell during the night, not sufficient 
to do either good or harm. This morning Mr. Watt, with whom 
I have dispatched Harry the black boy, started for a day’s excur- 
sion on foot into the ranges. Professor Spencer examined the soil 
in the vicinity of the spring for earthworms, &c. Professor Tate 
attended to his botanical collections, and Mr. Keartland, as usual, 
employed the whole of his time with the ornithological specimens, 
being highly delighted at having obtained a number of rare and very 
beautiful finches at this place. Mr. Belt made an extended 
examination of the precipitous ranges surrounding the camp and 
secured some very valuable botanical specimens from the summit 
of the highest hills. I was engaged all day upon the topographical 
map and in working out my observations. I also arranged with 
Mr. Tl’. Dare, who kindly undertook to supply a number of horses, 
to instruct Mr. C. EK. Cowle on his return from Erldunda, where he 
had gone with the expectation of meeting the party, to overtake me 
