Continued drought — terrific effect of hot wind — thermometer bursts — death of poor Bawley — find the stockade¹ deserted² — leave Fort Grey for the depot³ — difference of seasons — migration⁴ of birds — hot winds — embarrassing position — Mr. Browne starts for Flood’s creek⁵ — three bullocks shot — commencement of the retreat — arrival at Flood’s creek — state of vegetation — effects of scurvy⁶ — arrive at rocky glen — comparison of native tribes — halt at Carnapaga — arrival at Cawndilla — removal to the Darling — leave the Darling — state of the river — oppressive heat — visited by Nadbuck — arrival at Moorundi.

By half past eleven of the 9th November we had again got quietly settled, and I then found leisure to make such arrangements as might suggest themselves for our further retreat. To insure the safety of the animals as much as possible, I determined⁷ to leave all my spare provisions and weightier stores behind, and during the afternoon we were engaged making the loads as compact and as light as we could.

It was not, however, the fear of the water in Strzelecki’s Creck having dried up, that was at this moment the only cause of anxiety to me, for I thought it more than probable that Mr. Browne had been obliged to retreat from Fort Grey, in which case I should still have a journey before me to the old Depot of 170 miles or more, under privations, to the horses at least, of no ordinary character; and I had great doubts as to the practicability of our final retreat upon the Darling. The drought had now continued so long, and the heat been so severe, that I apprehended⁸ we might be obliged to remain another summer in these fearful

分享到：