"For though most men are contented only to see a river as it runs bythem, and talk of the changes in it as they happen; when it istroubled, or when clear; when it drowns the country in a flood, orforsakes it in a drought: yet he that would know the nature of thewater, and the causes of those accidents (so as to guess at theircontinuance or return), must find out its source, and observe with whatstrength it rises, what length it runs, and how many small streams fallin, and feed it to such a height, as make it either delightful orterrible to the eye, and useful or dangerous to the country aboutit."...SIR WILLIAM TEMPLE'S NETHERLANDS.
Introductory—Remarks on the results of the former Expedition—Thefitting out of another determined on—Its objects—Provisions,accoutrements, and retinue—Paper furnished by Mr. Kent—Causes thathave prevented the earlier appearance of the present work.
Commencement of the expedition in November, 1829.—Joined by Mr. GeorgeM'Leay—Appearance of the party—Breadalbane Plains—Hospitality of Mr.O'Brien—Yass Plains—Hill of Pouni—Path of a hurricane—Character ofthe country between Underaliga and the Morumbidgee—Appearance of thatriver—Junction of the Dumot with it—Crossing and recrossing—Geologicalcharacter and general aspect of the country—Plain of Pondebadgery—Fewnatives seen.
Character of the Morumbidgee where it issues from the hillycountry—Appearance of approach to swamps—Hamilton Plains—Intercoursewith the natives—Their appearance, customs, &c.—Change in thecharacter of the river—Mirage—Dreariness of the country—Ride towardsthe Lachlan river—Two boats built and launched on the Morumbidgee; andthe drays, with part of the men sent back to Goulburn Plains.
Embarkation of the party in the boats, and voyage down theMorumbidgee—The skiff swamped by striking on a sunken tree—Recoveryof boat and its loading—Region of reeds—Dangers of thenavigation—Contraction of the channel—Reach the junction of a largeriver—Intercourse with the natives on its banks—Character of thecountry below the junction of the rivers—Descent of a dangerousrapid—Warlike demonstrations of a tribe of natives—Unexpecteddeliverance fro