But although the tracks of the natives were numerous, the explorers were, at this time, permitted to pass on in peace.

Keeping at the foot of the low range, which there has an approximate northerly and southerly direction, Stuart crossed many creeks which promised long courses where they formed in the range, but which were all alike lost when they reached the level country.

On the 4th of May they attained to the northern termination of this range, which he called the Ashburton Range.

Here he made several attempts to the north and north-west, but could discover neither water nor watercourses in those directions; nothing indeed but plains, beautifully grassed, but heavy to ride over and yielding under the horses' feet.

Beyond these plains, the country changed for the worse, and became sandy and scrubby.