After we attained the summit of this hilly ascent, the road led through a more swampy and thickly-wooded country; but that character did not continue far, for we again approached an open forest country, and a farm at _Bolam_[56] appeared situated on an opposite hill to that over which the road we were then traversing passed. On descending, we crossed a rivulet or creek, (for the terms are synonymous in this country,) called “Bolam Creek;” and at five P.M., arrived at the neat farm of Mr. James Hassell. We now reached the Argyle country; and the contrast between this and the portion of the Bathurst district, through which we had passed, was much in favour of the former. The distance of our journey this day was twenty-eight miles; and our horses, not lately having had good feeding, from the poorness of the pasturage, we here gave them a day’s rest; and although we had to regret the absence of Mr. Hassell, we yet received every attention from the persons left in charge. We resumed our journey early on the morning of the 30th; but the day turned out very wet. About Bolam Creek, flocks of wild ducks were abundant. These birds were not so wild about creeks as on large rivers. The barn-doors about the farms (in imitation of a similar custom in the “old country,”) were decorated by the brushes and tails of that shepherds’ pest, the Dingo, or native Australian dog, and other vermin belonging to the colony. As we rode through the bush, the moist atmosphere occasioned a strong aroma to be diffused from the leaves of the gum-trees, as well as from odoriferous flowers. The country was of a picturesque character; and, after a distance of twelve miles, we reached a station belonging to Mr. Ellis, called “Turril, turril,” where we remained an hour to refresh our horses. I remarked the red gum in abundance on most trees of the _Eucalyptus_ genus: the red, spotted, and white gum, iron, and stringy bark, manna, box, and others, produced it profusely: it exudes both spontaneously and in larger quantities, when incisions have been made on the trunk, more particularly after rain. It is seen in masses upon the trunk; but its particles have so little tenacity, that when in a concrete form any attempt to detach them in one entire lump fails, and it crumbles immediately into innumerable minute fragments.