A great portion of this afternoon was spent up to our middles in water as we waded about the flooded valley; and the only thing we had to compensate us for the fatigue and suffering we underwent was the wild beauty of the scenery, which was as lovely and picturesque as impetuous torrents, foaming cascades, lofty rocks, and a rich tropical vegetation could render it.
NATIVES.
On our return homewards, wearied and disappointed, we came close upon a large party of natives before they were aware of our presence.

Coles had followed me up the northern bank of the ravine, and we thus occupied a good position; the natives had, I suppose, wished to avoid us, for we saw no more of them, but merely heard the sound of their retiring voices as they moved up the centre of the valley.

We now returned to the men we had left in charge of the stores, and reached the tent soon after dark.
LABOUR OF TRACING AND FORMING A PATH.
February 7.
This day was passed in constructing the pathway which was to lead us down into the deep ravine in our front.

Whilst the men were thus engaged I traversed the country I had yesterday visited in the hope that I might yet find some outlet into the good country which would take us clear of the others; but my searches were in vain.

Only one man accompanied me, and I completely knocked him up ere the evening closed in upon us.