Stuart Two

Saturday, 2nd April, 1859

Laurie — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:31:47 +0000

Started from Mr. Glen’s for St. A’Becket’s Pool, where we camped. This water hole is a large one, and likely to last a long time. The country around is good–a large salt bush and grassy plain, with upwards of 300 cattle feeding upon it. Found the native cucumber growing.

Sunday, 3rd April

Laurie — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:30:32 +0000

Shortly after sunrise started from St. A’Becket’s Pool, over low sand hills with large valleys between, well grassed, as described by Mr. Parry. Camped about two miles to the north-east of it, in a polyganum and grassy valley.

Monday, 4th April

Laurie — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:29:00 +0000

The saddles injuring our horses’ backs, we must stop and repair them. Herrgott and I rode to Shamrock Pool. There is still water there. It may last about a month, but it is not permanent.

Tuesday, 5th April

Laurie — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:22:45 +0000

The horses could not be found before noon. One of them has lost a shoe, which will require to be put on. It is too late to start to-day for St. Francis’ Ponds, the distance being thirty-two miles, and no water between. I deem it advisable to remain until to-morrow.

Wednesday, 6th April

Laurie — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:21:45 +0000

Started on a bearing of 330 degrees, and at six miles came upon a gum creek, with abundance of water, which I believe is permanent. For fifty yards on each side of the creek there is a great quantity of polyganum and other water-bushes. On the water there are a great many ducks, cranes, and water-hens. The water hole is upwards of three-quarters of a mile long; at the broadest place it is fifty yards in breadth. There are two trees marked “J.G. and W. Latitude, 30 degrees 4 minutes 1 second.” At one mile struck Mr. Parry’s tracks; had a view of the country on the bearing that I intended to steer; saw that it would lead me into a very rough country, therefore followed his tracks to where he had camped. Camped south of Mount Delusion, without water. I do not doubt that there is water further down the creek to the eastward.