Abundance of “river cod” was taken from the river, and I had usually plenty of fine fish as long as I remained in this or the Tumat countries, in those parts adjacent to the fine rivers. Aquatic fowl were not less abundant, more especially the “Black duck,” or “Buddinbong,” of the natives; a species of teal, the “Towrodey” of the natives, and “Wood ducks,” (which from their peculiar note the aborigines name Ku-náruk, resembling the sound those birds utter,) all afforded an excellent meal, oftentimes even with the addition of green peas, as most of the stations have small vegetable gardens attached to them. The “Wild turkey” of the colony, Kumbul of the natives, (a species of bustard,) is occasionally seen about this part of the country and Yas Plains, but they are so very shy, as to render it difficult to get within shot of them. The following morning (December 9th) I proceeded through the “Tumat country.” On leaving Darbylara much swampy land was passed, varied by plains and hills, abounding in pasturage, in which the kangaroo-grass (_Anthisteria australis_) grew to the height of four feet, and numerous creeks emptying their waters into the stream of the Tumat. The numerous lagoons and flats, swamps or marshes, (for by all these names they seem equally known,) had a fresh green appearance, occasioned by the young reeds springing up, which are greedily devoured by cattle and horses, as in that stage of growth they are sweet, and contain abundance of mucilage; as they advance in growth, the verdure they possessed is succeeded by arid brown stems, surmounted by feathered blossoms, which wave and bend with a rustling noise to the breeze that sweeps by them. The road continued through a pleasing country, abounding in vales rich with vegetation, about which hills, thinly scattered with trees, but densely clothed with herbage, rose, of different forms and heights, varied by the “Swamp oaks,” “Water gum,” and other Eucalypti, which, by their greener foliage, indicated the proximity and course of the Tumat river; or a reedy swamp would be seen near the banks of the stream, from which often some large cranes, with lead-coloured plumage, called “Gungaroo” by the natives, would arise. After riding a distance of eight miles, we arrived at a station named “Brungul,” the property of a Mr. Keighern, and were refreshed by some milk; indeed, the excellent milk that can always be readily procured at any of the stations in this luxuriant grazing part of the colony is a great comfort, with the additional ones of excellent butter, cheese, and damper.[95]