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[Page 2]
worthy of notice. A species of Ceratopetalum, which I had before considered as a stunted shrub of monopetalum, I am now confident is distinct species of Cistimorpha [?] I met with which I think is new. I intended to cross the river here, and travel north, over a tract of Forest of land (which I had before ascertained the boundaries of in a western direction). Until I met with the Hawkesbury near its union with the Nepean, but the water being above its usual height I found some difficulty in crossing myself, and as any man could not swim I gave up the attempt. On leaving this place I met with a new species of Galium. I travelled some miles down the river with an intent of discovering the aforesaid junction, until I came to a rough mountain on a country called by the Natives Mulgaey (at which place they inform me the rivers meet). Having traced it a little way down in this rough country, at length it suddenly took a direct course to the west, apparently into the heart of the mountains. With this I was obliged to return to such ground as our horse could travel on. I still made several attempts to catch it again without gaining my object, till at last being tattered and torn, and our provision scanty, I was obliged to shape my course homewards. This I must not attempt in a direct line for fear but I should not have a shoe to my foot. I struck off NE, thinking of catching some of the roads which led from the upper settlers of the Nepean towards Prospect, and at the end of 10 miles we heard the roaring of Cattle at Governor's King's farm. After I had travelled about 1 mile on this course I saw Prospect Hill bearing E 3/4 N appearing to be distant from 16 to 20 miles. At Mulgaey I met with a new plant which was a Monadelphous Eriostermon, and I also met with a new species of Mimosa. On following the road which led to Prospect on crossing the South Creek I found a new species of Eryngium. It was confined to the small space of a few rods and is the only species I have found or expected to find except the small one on the sea beach at Van Dieman's Land. This journey took up 8 days in the latter of Oct & Nov last.
My other journey was to Ripponden in Vaccary Forest in December last, purposely to get better specimens of some plants than what I yet had, in particular a crimson flowered Hedisarum. In this journey, I met with nothing new. In short, I was so overcome with fatigue that I was obliged to return the same way as I went out.
I hope before you receive this letter an opportunity will offer whereby I can quit this miserable place, but as I been here so long & am choice about my collection I will not hazard it in like manner as Mr Brown did his. At present you must excuse me for not making any remittances otherwise than by letter.