it now formed a respectable body of men, for the purpose for which it was
required.

Our materiel consisted of eight muskets, six pistols; and our small stock
of ammunition, including a box containing skyrockets, was carried on one
of the covered carts.

Of these tilted carts we had two, so constructed that they could be drawn
either by one or two horses. They were also so light, that they could be
moved across difficult passes by the men alone. Three stronger carts or
drays were loaded with our stock of provisions, consisting of flour, pork
(which had been boned in order to diminish the bulk as much as possible)
tea, tobacco, sugar and soap. We had, besides, a sufficient number of
packsaddles for the draught animals, that, in case of necessity, we might
be able to carry forward the loads by such means. Several packhorses were
also attached to the party. I had been induced to prefer wheel carriages
for an exploratory journey: first, From the level nature of the interior
country; second, From the greater facility and certainty they afforded of
starting early, and as the necessity for laying all our stores in
separate loads on animals' backs could thus be avoided. The latter method
being further exposed to interruptions on the way--by the derangement of
loads--or galling the animals' backs--one inexperienced man being thus
likely to impede the progress of the whole party.

For the navigation or passage of rivers, two portable boats of canvas,
had been prepared by Mr. Eager, of the King's dockyard at Sydney. We
carried the canvas only, with models of the ribs--and tools, having
carpenters who could complete them, as occasions required.

Our hour for encamping, when circumstances permitted, was to be two P.M.,