He struck the Darling much higher than Fort Bourke, and it was not until he was across the river that he passed the outermost cattle-stations, which had sprung rapidly into existence since his last visit to the neighbourhood.

The Narran was then followed up until the Balonne was reached.

This river, in his superlative style, Mitchell pronounced to be the finest in Australia, with the exception of the Murray.

He then struck and followed the Culgoa upwards until it divided into two branches; he skirted the main one, which retained the name of the Balonne.

On the 12th of April he came to the natural bridge of rocks which he called St.George's bridge, and which is the site of the present town of St.George.Here a temporary camp was formed; Kennedy was left in charge to bring the main body on more slowly; Mitchell with a few men went ahead.