Explorations in Australia | Page 8

162 degrees 15
minutes.
Saturday, 12th June, Mudleealpa. In examining the creek a little higher
up, we found another well. By cleaning it out, the water is drinkable.
The horses did not arrive until it was too late to start, and having water
here now, that they can drink, we camped here another night.

Sunday, 13th June, Mudleealpa. Started for Beda. Some of the horses
would not drink the water, and others drank very little: they will be
glad to drink far worse than this before they come back, or I am much
mistaken. Arrived at Beda at sundown. I was right in my opinion; no
fresh water to be found; nothing but salt, salter than the sea. I can see
nothing of Mr. Babbage's* encampment; he must be higher up the
creek. All the country we have come over to-day is very dry. (* It will
probably be recollected that Mr. Babbage was sent out by the
Government to make a north-west course through the continent, but,
when at the Elizabeth, he made an unaccountable detour, and found
himself at Port Augusta, his original starting-point. On my return from
this journey he called on me at Mount Arden, when I furnished him
with such information as he required, and he again started, and made
Chambers' Creek, which I had previously found and named after my
old friend, Mr. James Chambers, but which he called Stuart's Creek in
acknowledgment of my information, etc. J. McD. Stuart.)
Monday, 14th June, Beda. This morning we have searched all round,
but can find no fresh water, although there are numerous places that
would retain water if any quantity had fallen. Mr. Forster, whom I had
sent up the creek to Mr. Babbage's, to inquire if there was any water at
Pernatta, has returned with the information that Mr. B. was up there
with all his horses, and that there was still a little water, but not much.
Started at 11.30 a.m. for that place; camped in the sand hills one hour
after dark. Here we found some pig-faces* which the horses eat freely.
(* These pig-faces belong to the Mesembryaceae, of which the
common ice-plant of our gardens is an example.) There is a great deal
of moisture in them, and they are a first-rate thing for thirsty horses;
besides, they have a powerful diuretic effect. I was unable to fix Beda
Hill, all my time being taken up in looking for water, but I hope to get
its position at Pernatta. The country was very heavy--sand hills.
Tuesday, 15th June, Sand Hills. Started at break of day for Pernatta.
About 10 a.m. met Mr. Babbage's two men returning with some of the
horses for rations. They informed me that the water was nearly all gone,
but that there was plenty in the Elizabeth, nineteen miles from Pernatta.
I intended to keep on the track, but our black insisted that Pernatta lay
through a gap, and not round the bluff. I allowed him to have his own
way. Our route was through a very stony saddle. When there we saw a

gum creek, and made for it; when we arrived at the creek he told us that
was Pernatta. We looked for water, and found a little hole, which, to
our great disappointment, contained salt water. Could see nothing of
Mr. Babbage's camp. I then asked our black where there was another
water; he said, "Down the creek," which we followed. He took us to
five or six water holes, with native names, every one dry. The last one
he called Yolticourie. It being now within an hour of sundown, I would
follow him no longer, but unsaddled, and told Mr. Forster to take the
black and the horses, and to steer for the bluff; if he found no water
between, to intersect Mr. Babbage's tracks, and follow them up and get
water. I remained with our provisions. The black fellow evidently does
not know the country. I am sorry that I have taken him with me. I think
I shall send him back; he is of little use in assisting to get the horses in
the morning.
Wednesday, 16th June, Yolticourie. The horses have returned; they
found no water last night; they were obliged to camp for the night, it
being so dark, but they found Mr. Babbage's camp very early. The
horses drank all the water. I was wrong in blaming the black fellow; he
took us to the RIGHT Pernatta. It is another water that Mr. B. is
encamped at. He moves to-day for the Elizabeth, which I also will do.
He found the remains of poor Coulthard yesterday. We must have
passed quite close to them in our search for water. He has sent for me
to come and assist at