Here Also, In An Old Camp Of The Natives, We Found A Heap Of
Muscle-Shells, Which Were Probably Taken From Some Very Deep And Shady
Holes In The Creek, But Which Were Now Without The Slightest Indication
Of Moisture.
Water failing us on the western slopes, I crossed to the
east side, under the idea and hope that
The north and north-east sides of
the range, from being more exposed to the sea winds, would be better
provided with water; and, passing to the left of Calvert's Peak, over low
basaltic ridges, I came to a creek with a shallow bed, winding between
basaltic ridges to the north-east. These ridges were lightly timbered,
and covered with an abundance of dry grass: dark-green patches of scrub
raised our hopes from time to time, and quickened our pace; but in vain,
for no water was to be found. Fatigued and exhausted by thirst, both
rider and horse wished for an early halt. We stopped, therefore, and
hobbled our horses; and, when I had spread my saddle, my head sank
between its flaps, and I slept soundly until the cool night-air, and the
brilliant moonlight, awoke me. I found my poor companion, Mr. Calvert,
suffering severely from thirst, more so indeed than I did; but I was
unfortunately labouring under a most painful diarrhoea, which of itself
exhausted my strength. In the morning, to add to our distress, our horses
were not to be found, and Mr. Calvert had a walk of four hours to get
them:
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 130 of 524
Words from 34854 to 35112
of 141354
