6 
W. Russell, Government prospectors; Trooper Williams, of the 
mounted police; Moosha and Guzzie Boolooch, Afghan camel- 
drivers ; and Harry, a black tracker of the native mounted police. 
The usual delays incidental to a first day’s journey with heavily- 
packed camels occurred. I therefore decided to make a short 
stage. At 3°30 p.m. we camped on a small gum creek without 
water, having travelled seven miles. The camels, with but one or 
two exceptions, are not, I find, suited for an exploring trip such as 
we have before us. Several of them are lame and unfit to carry 
any load, while all the others are in very poor condition, unable 
to travel more than two miles an hour, and not strong enough to 
carry weighty burdens. I have determined that Trooper Williams 
and two horses shall return to Oodnadatta in the morning, as their 
services are not now required. 
Sunday, May 6th.—Camp No. 1;_ bar. 29°80in., ther. 32°, wind 
S.E. Carried out my decision with regard to Trooper Williams 
and the two horses. A few interesting botanical and biological 
specimens were obtained here by Professors Tate and Spencer. 
We commenced packing the camels at 7 a.m., but did not resume 
our journey till two hours afterwards. Excepting a short midday 
halt at Storm Creek, we travelled all day at the highest speed the 
camels were capable of. At 6:30 p.m., having covered a distance 
of twenty-one miles, we camped near a dry swamp. ‘The country 
traversed was dreary and desolate in the extreme, utterly destitute 
of grass, and without any traces of water. 
Monday, May 7th.—Camp No. 2; bar. 29°84in., ther 33°, wind 
S.E. This morning we were upon the road somewhat earlier 
than usual. For eight miles to the Macumba river there was no 
change in the character of the country from the stony arid plains 
which made travelling yesterday so monotonous and unpromising. 
Following then the course of the Stevenson Creek for ten miles 
we came to a large rain water hole, called Metrilligan by the 
natives. Here we camped, and found in the neighborhood a few 
semi-civilised examples of the aboriginals—the first seen. The 
camels’ defects are more evident than ever to-day, and it 1s ques- 
tionable whether I can complete the trip with them, except at a 
distressingly slow pace. 
Tuesday, May 8th.—Camp No. 3; bar. 29°76in., ther. 35°, wind 
S.E. The usual routine of travel was adhered to. The track we 
wished to follow leaves the Stevenson about two miles on, turning 
more to the eastward. This course we followed, and at 4 p.m., 
having completed sixteen and a half miles, we camped amongst the 
sandhills, where grass and other herbage for the first time were 
fairly abundant. 
