These are very numerous on the plains, but wild and
unapproachable, as they most frequently are in the north. At each
camp on his journey Mr. Jardine regularly marked a tree A.J. and the
number of the Camp.
'September' 13. - The party travelled back over Bauhinia Plains, and
camped on the river, near camp 8 of the outward journey. At night
they went fishing, and got a number of fine perch, and a small
spotted fish. Distance 24 miles.
'September' 14. - To-day the party saw blacks for the first time
since leaving Carpentaria Downs. They "rounded them up," and had a
parley, without hostility on either side, each being on the
defensive, and observing the other. They bore no distinctive
character, or apparent difference to the Rockhampton tribes, and were
armed with reed speers and wommerahs. For the first time also they
met with the ripe fruit of the Palinaria, the "Nonda" of Leichhardt.
The distance travelled was 27 miles, which brought them to the 7th
camp on the outward journey.
'September' 15. - Following up the course of the river, the 6th camp
was reached in 26 miles, where the feed was so good that Mr. Jardine
determined to halt for a day and recruit the horses.
