On proceeding upwards we observed that there were considerable intervals, along which the channel of the creek was dry; but where such was the case, it was abundantly covered with couch grass, of which the horses were exceedingly fond.

We passed several sheets of water, however, some of which had a depth of two feet, although the greater number were shallow.

After following it for ten miles, we halted with brighter prospects, and under more cheering circumstances than we had any right to anticipate; but, although the creek promised so well, the valley on either side of it was more than usually barren and scrubby, and was bounded in, as usual, by high ridges of sand, that still continued to head us in unbroken lines, and were the most prominent and prevailing feature of the interior; and although we were now within two degrees of the Tropics, our latitude at this point being 25 degrees 34 minutes 19 seconds, we had not as yet observed the slightest change in the vegetation, or anything to intimate our approach to a tropical country.
On the 5th we started on a course of 340 degrees, the upward course of the creek.

At two miles it turned to the N.E, but soon came round again to N.W., and afterwards kept a general course of 10 degrees to the west of north.

Its channel gradually contracted as we advanced, and the polygonum grew to the size of a very large bush upon its banks.