The east side of the narrow watercourse was of primitive rock, the west side basaltic.

Having passed over the hills, I made the river at their east side.

Its banks were open for access as far as the primitive rock extended, but another field of lava commenced higher up, and rendered any progress with our cattle impossible.
A native low shrubby Mulberry was found in this scrub, the fruit of which was good to eat, but of very small size.
From the top of the hills I enjoyed a most beautiful view of the valley of the river, with its large lagoons covered with Nymphaeas and Damasoniums.

On one of the lagoons, Charley shot a Parra gallinacea, a bird which Mr.Gilbert had observed only at Port Essington.

A well beaten path of the natives showed that they were numerous in this part of the country: we saw many of their camping places during the stage; and the fires of their camps were numerous; we saw a party of them, but they were too frightened to allow us to approach.