The Country, With The Exception Of
The Ridges Which Bounded The Narrow Valleys Of Watercourses, Was A Sandy
Level Stringy-
Bark forest, interspersed with Melaleuca-gum and leguminous
Ironbark; saplings of which formed large tracts of a low open under-
Wood.
We had passed a large but dry swamp, having no outlet, and surrounded
with Pandanus, when Brown called my attention to an opening in the
forest, and to a certain dim appearance of the atmosphere peculiar to
extensive plains and valleys. Travelling in that direction we soon found
ourselves at the margin of the sandy table-land, from which we overlooked
a large valley bounded by high ranges to the westward. We then followed a
very rocky creek, in its various windings, in search of water; Grallina
australis called four times, and deceived us each time; and cockatoos,
and pigeons, and finches, all proved false prophets. However, about five
miles farther, we found a small pool, at which natives had very recently
encamped, and, three miles farther, two fine water-holes fringed with
Pandanus.
Our bullocks and horses were very foot-sore, and could scarcely move over
the rocky ground.
The ridges at the head of this western creek were covered with an
arborescent Capparis, the ripe fruit of which tasted very like
strawberries; but those which were not ripe were very pungent. Another
little tree, belonging to the Hamelieae D.C., with large white fragrant
blossoms, and fruit about two inches long and one broad, with numerous
seeds nestling in a pulpy substance, was very abundant.
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