the depot, and from whom I
have received great assistance both in making meteorological
observations and in the filling in of feature surveys, will keep a
regular meteorological register. I have handed over to him for that
purpose an aneroid barometer, Number 21,543, and four thermometers,
two for dry and wet bulb observations, and the others for
temperature of water, etc.

With regard to hot winds, the direction of the sand-ridges would
seem to indicate a prevalence of east and west winds here rather
than of northerly.

WILLIAM J. WILLS,

Surveyor and Astronomical Observer.

Cooper's Creek, 15th December, 1860.

. . .

This concludes my son's third report; the first, as far as I
can ascertain, was never published. This last was accompanied by
many observations taken with the sextant and other instruments,
requiring long experience to understand and handle correctly.
Brahe, a German, had been instructed by my son in their use, and
had made some progress. Notwithstanding his fatal error in leaving
the depot contrary to orders, he had, in some respects, superior
requisites to either of the others left with him. He was a good
traveller, and a better bushman than Wright. Had he been associated
with a single companion of nerve and energy, the consequent
misfortunes might have been surmounted.

CHAPTER 9.

Departure from Cooper's Creek for the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Arrangements for the Continuance of the Depot at Cooper's Creek.
Mr. Brahe left in Charge.
Determination of Route.
Progress and Incidents.
Mr. Wills's Field Books, from the 16th of December, 1860, to the
30th of January, 1861, 1 to 9.
Shores of Carpentaria.

DURING the halt at Cooper's Creek, it was reported through an
Adelaide paper that Mr. McDouall Stuart had returned from his
attempt to explore in a north-western direction, and was preparing
to start again with Government aid, and no longer confined entirely
to the private resources and enterprise of Mr. James Chambers. The
Gulf of Carpentaria was not so much the immediate object of
Stuart's efforts, as the opening of a commercial avenue with a view
to future trade, in a direction more toward the north-west coast,
and as far north as the 16 or 18 degrees of southern latitude. This
line of exploration appeared preferable to the strong practical
mind of Mr. Chambers, who had in view the quid pro quo. Stuart's
object was therefore plain business, and the immediate advantage of
the colony with