ideas; and this, to tell the truth, is
a rare chance for me.

I am getting 150 pounds per annum, and rations, but I hope in
twelve months to have a party of my own. It is just the sort of
life for me, nearly always in the bush marking out land for sale,
or laying down unknown parts. It is quite a different thing from
surveying in England. Glendaruel is fifteen miles from Ballaarat. I
saw the Doctor and Tom a few days since. They were quite well; I
hope you are so also. Love to all.

Your affectionate son,

W.J. WILLS.

. . .

He was appointed to the charge of a field party before the time
he expected. I was anxious to give him a set of surveying
instruments, and requested him to send me a list and an order to
the best London maker for such as he wanted. He transmitted the
following letter, which marks the progress of his knowledge, to be
forwarded to Messrs. Troughton and Sims, Fleet Street. I obtained
it very recently from that house.

March 20th, 1857.

SIRS,

I shall be much obliged by your executing the following order as
quickly as possible, and at your most reasonable prices.

1. One four-inch theodolite, best construction: 21 pounds.

2. One of Troughton's best reflecting circles, eight-inch radius,
divided on silver: 23 pounds.

3. One prismatic compass, three and a-half inch, with silver ring:
5 pounds 5 shillings.

4. One six-inch semicircular protractor, with Vernier: 3 pounds 3
shillings.

5. One glass plane artificial horizon, ordnance pattern: 4 pounds 4
shillings.

6. One brass rolling parallel ruler, two feet long; must not weigh
less than five pounds.

7. One twelve-inch brass sector: 1 pound.

8. One set of six-inch ivory plotting-scales, with offset scales
complete: 4 pounds.

9. Two steel straight-edges, three feet each.

10. Four sixty feet land chains.

11. One small compact case of good sector-jointed, drawing
instruments with ivory parallel ruler: 3 pounds 3 shillings.

12. One very small achromatic telescope of the strongest make, not
to exceed six inches in length, when closed: 1 pound.

13. A small chemical blowpipe with ivory mouthpiece, and two
platina tips; also some platina foil and wire.

14. Two Nautical Almanacs, 1858 and 1859.

Leather cases and straps for theodolite, circle, and prismatic
compass. A catalogue of instruments with prices.

N.B. I should wish the theodolite and circles to be packed very
differently from the usual way, as many instrume