Page:Northmost Australia volume 2.djvu/39

386 carried on. Down the river for 7 miles the prospecting gave only negative results, and this is remarkable in view of the fact that the site of the subsequent rush must have been passed over. The Lukinville gold was in the form of fine dust, and for the most part went to reward the industry and patience of Chinese diggers.

Up the river, the flying party, consisting of Hann, Taylor, Warner and Jerry, met with more success. The first was made on 9th August, 5 miles east of Camp 20 (about north of ), and further encouraging traces of  were found. The second, of 10th August, was 5 miles further up the river, say at the mouth of the creek on the west side of. Here was found in the bed of the river. The sight of fresh cattle droppings gave rise to high hopes of an addition to the supply of meat, but the hunt for the led to nothing. The third was reached in four hours of travelling on 12th August, and the distance may be estimated at 10 miles, which would place the camp about on the site of. The latitude is given as 15° 32′ 34″ S. That of Palmerville, according to the 4-mile map, is 15° 59′. The results of prospecting here were "more flattering than hitherto," and Hann was now in hopes of being on the right track for discovering a.

On 13th August, a further progress of 12 miles was made up the river, the men prospecting on the way, with results "more or less favourable" and the fourth was probably about the mouth of. was found in the river bed at the camp of 13th August.

On 14th August, the party went 17 miles up the Palmer, cutting off bends of the river where it was possible to do so. The of 14th August was about a mile below the mouth of Granite Creek. During the day, was found in the bed of the Palmer as well as in ravines on both sides. About half-way, Hann must have passed the site of, afterwards the official centre of the.

On 15th August, leaving Jerry in camp in charge of two horses, one of which had lost a shoe and been lamed by the sharp slates, Hann and Warner prospected the river above the camp, again finding, and afterwards ascended a high hill, from which a view up the valley gave the impression that the country was too rough for further progress. This hill,, is without doubt the one which subsequently received the name of.

Returning to the camp, preparations for the return journey were