Feel very anxious as to the result, as it will take five or six days; but it is the only resource left.

After explaining my views to my companions, and pointing out the great probability of our meeting with small rock water-holes, was much relieved by the sanguine way in which they acquiesced in the plans, and the apparent confidence they placed in me.
6th.
Filled the water-cans, and got everything ready for a start to-morrow morning.
7th.
Started at 9 a.m., carrying over thirty gallons of water with us.

One of the drums leaked so much that we left it at camp.

Travelled along our outward tracks of the 4th, and camped at our former bivouac, with splendid feed, but no water for our horses.
8th.
Started early, and steered about North-East through dense mallee thickets, destitute of grass or water, for eighteen miles.

We came upon a small patch of open grassy land, and camped without water for our horses.
This is the second night our horses have been without water, but the grass has been fresh, and they do not yet appear to have suffered much.
Marked a tree at camp, F., 1870.