I determined therefore before I again struck the tents to examine the country to the north-west, and not incautiously to hazard the safety of the party by leading it into a region from which I might find it difficult to retreat.

As soon therefore as I had run up the charts, I prepared for this journey.

Our position at the new Depot was in latitude 29 degrees 6 minutes 30 seconds, and in longitude 141 degrees 5 minutes 8 seconds, it therefore appeared to me if I ran on a bearing of 45 degrees to the west of north, I should gain the 138th meridian about the centre of the continent, and at the same time cross into the Tropics at the desired point, and I felt certain that if there were any mountain chains or ranges of hills to the westward of me connected with the north-east angle of the continent I should be sure to discover them.
In preparing for this important journey, on which it was evident the success of the expedition would depend, I took more than ordinary precautions.

I purposed giving the charge of the camp to Mr.Stuart .-- I had established it on a small sandy rise, whereon we found five or six native huts.

This spot was at the northern extremity of the Park, but a little advanced into it.