Narrative Of The Overland Expedition Of The Messrs. Jardine, From Rockhampton To Cape York, Northern Queensland By Frank Jardine And Alexander Jardine
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A Large Number Of Natives Were Seen To-Day - One
Mob Was Disturbed At A Waterhole, Where They Were Cooking Fish, Which
They Left In Their Alarm, Together With Their Arms.
The spears were
the first that had been observed made of reed, and a stone tomahawk
was seen, as large as the largest-sized American axe.
These blacks
were puny wretched-looking creatures, and very thin. They had a
great number of wild dogs with them - over thirty being counted by
the party. 10 miles, N.W. by W. 1/2 W. (Camp IX.)
'October' 19. - The confluence of Parallel Creek with the Einasleih
was reached in four miles, after which the country on the river
slightly improved; the camp was pitched four miles further on, on a
river flat, within sight of a large scrub, on the east side. Four of
the cattle that had been knocked up yesterday were sent for before
starting, and fetched - the cattle counted and found correct. The
river at the camp was about 700 yards wide, with fine waterholes in
it, containing plenty of fish. A strange discovery was made to-day.
At a native fire the fresh remains of a negro were found 'roasted',
the head and thigh bones were alone complete, all the rest of the
body and limbs had been broken up, the skull was full of blood.
Whether this was the body of an enemy cooked for food, or of a friend
disposed of after the manner of their last rites, must remain a
mystery, until the country and its denizens become better known.
Some spears were found pointed with sharp pieces of flint, fastened
on with kangaroo sinews, and the gum of the Xanthorea, or grass-tree.
(Camp X.)
'October' 20. - The last of the stony ground was travelled over
to-day, and the foot-sore cattle were able to luxuriate in the soft
sandy ground of the river flats. At about 6 miles Galaa Creek was
crossed at Alexander Jardine's marked tree (V in a square), and the
Rocky Island at its junction, before mentioned, were seen. At this
point the ranges come into the river on each side. The camp was
pitched at about five miles further on, at a fine waterhole, where
there was good grass - a welcome change for cattle and horses. It
was not reached, however, till about 9 o'clock. The river afforded
the party some fine fish - cod, perch, and peel, and a lobster
weighing more than half-a-pound. Its channels were very numerous,
making altogether nearly a mile in width. Scrub was in sight during
the whole of the stage, the crests of the broken ridges being covered
with garrawon. (Camp XI.)
'October' 21. - Mr. Jardine describes to-day's stage as the best the
cattle had experienced since taking delivery of them 230 miles back;
the river banks along which they travelled were flat and soft,
lightly timbered with box, poplar-gum and bloodwood. From a low
table-topped range, which they occasionally sighted on the right,
spurs of sandstone ran into the river at intervals, but were no
obstruction.
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