The country is very dry indeed; in fact, we could not be more unfortunate in the season thus far.

I only trust we may be blessed with abundance of rain shortly, otherwise we shall not be able to move onwards.
11th.
Continued up river, which is getting very small, over beautifully-grassed country, and at seven miles came to a fine flat and splendid pool of permanent water.

Although a delightful spot, I did not halt, as we had come such a short distance.

Here we met six native women, who were very frightened at first, but soon found sufficient confidence to talk and to tell us there was plenty of water ahead.

As they always say this, I do not put any faith in it.