Page:Journals of Several Expeditions Made in Western Australia.djvu/239

 hammock slung between two trees, the rest of the gentletmen folded themselves up in their blankets about nine o'clock, and slept before the fire.

October 25th.—The blast of the bugle saluted our ears about five o'clock; breakfasted, and set off about halfpast six. Travelled E by N. four hours over a mountainous country, very rugged in some parts, and halted by another stream; here we rested three hours. The hills abound with the finest mahogany I have seen; the trees are very lofty, and amazingly straight; it is very surprising how such fine timber can grow on such stony and apparently inferior land. We commenced our journey again about half-past one o'clock, and halted about three, indeed, we encamped for the night, the Governor being very much indisposed. We crossed several mountain streams to-day; saw but one kangaroo.

October 26th.— Arose at five o'clock, set off at seven; about ten o'clock we fell in with three large kangaroos, and had the good fortune to kill one; it would weigh from 100 to 120 lbs.; according to the practice here, we gutted him, fed the dogs, and immediately set to work and skinned him. A mountain-stream being hard by, we halted, and soon had some of the animal on the fire; it was cooked in three different ways, but for want of proper seasonings, suitable vessels, and good cooks, it was a miserable mess. The kangaroo, when properly prepared, is excellent food; the flesh of the large ones, when roasted, resembles beef, but destitute of fat; the young ones, when nicely managed, eat very much like ham; it also makes very nutritious soup. Begun to travel again about one o'clock, and continued until evening, when we found another stream; here we put up our tent, and bivouaced for the night. The general character of the country the same as yesterday; a little sand here and there in the valleys may be found capable of cultivation, and, probably, at no distant period innkeepers may find it worth their notice, and plant themselves by the way. Found an emu's nest to-day, the shells of the eggs only remained, the young ones had been hatched some time.

October 27th.—Set off early again this morning. Killed