The hills exhibited no longer the same rugged outline, and were better clothed with vegetation.

From the top of one of a conical group, forming the north point of the river where it changes to the eastward, I could trace its direction but little further.
On the opposite side the hills receded, forming an amphitheatre round a level plain, through which ran a creek.

On its banks, for the first time, we saw fires of the natives.

Here, also for the first time, we noticed the gouty-stem trees; whilst the slope of the hill we ascended was covered with a tolerable sprinkling of grass.

Kangaroos, likewise, were observed on every side springing along the turf; and a few great alligators passed up the stream, after reconnoitering our boat at the risk of a shot or two.
We were now nearly thirty miles from the ship; and a few stations were still necessary to be made to complete the survey so far.