Character of the Morumbidgee where it issues from the hilly country-- Appearance of approach to swamps--Hamilton Plains--Intercourse with the natives--Their appearance, customs, &c.--Change in the character of the river--Mirage-- Dreariness of the country--Ride towards the Lachlan river --Two boats built and launched on the Morumbidgee; and the drays, with part of the men sent back to Goulburn Plains.
Embarkation of the party in the boats, and voyage down the Morumbidgee-- The skiff swamped by striking on a sunken tree--Recovery of boat and its loading--Region of reeds--Dangers of the navigation--Contraction of the channel--Reach the junction of a large river--Intercourse with the natives on its banks--Character of the country below the junction of the rivers-- Descent of a dangerous rapid--Warlike demonstrations of a tribe of natives--Unexpected deliverance from a conflict wi