everywhere yellow, or burnt up, and in many parts on fire, so that the
smoke which arose from it obscured the sun, and added sensibly to the
heat of the atmosphere.

We lost ourselves, and, consequently, a good portion of the day, from
having rode too carelessly through the forest country, while engaged in
conversation respecting the intended journey. We nevertheless reached the
place of rendezvous on Foy Brook long before night, and I encamped on a
spot where the whole party was to join me in the morning. Mr. White left
me here for the purpose of making some arrangements at home, and
respecting the supplies which I had calculated on obtaining in this part
of the country.

VALLEY OF THE HUNTER.

During the day's route, we traversed the valley of the river Hunter, an
extensive tract of country, different from that mountainous region from
which I had descended, inasmuch as it consists of low undulating land,
thinly wooded, and bearing, in most parts, a good crop of grass.

Portions of the surface near Mr. Blaxland's establishment, bore that
peculiar, undulating character which appears in the southern districts,
where it closely resembles furrows, and is termed ploughed ground. This
appearance usually indicates a good soil, which is either of a red or
very dark colour, and in which small portions of trap-rock, but more
frequently concretions of indurated marl, are found. Coal appears in the
bed and banks of the Wollombi, near Mr. Blaxland's station, and at no
great distance from his farm is a salt spring, also in the bed of this
brook. The waters in the lesser tributaries, on the north bank of the
river Hunter, become brackish when the current ceases. In that part of