We re-crossed it at a stony
place just below a very large waterhole, and then continued our
course over extensive plains, not so well grassed as those we had
passed before, and very stony in some places. At eight miles from
Patten's Creek, we came to another, running from south-west to
south-east: there was plenty of water in it, but it was evidently
the result of recent local rains. On the banks was an abundance of
good feed but very little timber.
Friday, 11th January, 1861.--We started at five A.M., and in the
excitement of exploring fine well-watered country, forgot all about
the eclipse of the sun until the reduced temperature and peculiarly
gloomy appearance of the sky drew our attention to the matter; it
was then too late to remedy the deficiency, so we made a good day's
journey, the moderation of the midday heat, which was only about 86
degrees, greatly assisting us. The country traversed has the most
verdant and cheerful aspect; abundance of feed and water
everywhere. All the creeks seen to-day have a course more or less
to the east by south. The land improves in appearance at every
mile. A quantity of rain has fallen here and to the south, and some
of the flats are suitable for cultivation, if the regularity of the
seasons will admit.
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