Science and Art.

I suppose I shall hear by the next mail whether you have been able
to obtain for me Savage's Practical Astronomy. I want to trouble
you with another commission of the same kind, namely, to find out
whether there is a translation from the German into English of
Professor Carl Kreil's Introduction to Magnetic Observations, 2nd
edition, Vienna, 1858. I fear you will have some trouble in getting
this book for me, but it is of great importance that I should have
it if possible. It may not be translated yet, but it certainly will
be before long. Whenever you get any catalogues of scientific books
from the publishers in London, you might send them to me in a
letter; or if they are too bulky, you have only to put a strip of
paper round, and send it as a book, without letter or writing. The
postage is sixpence for four ounces, and threepence for every two
ounces more, up to three pounds, which is the greatest weight that
may be sent in one parcel; its dimensions must not exceed two feet
in any direction.

They have just succeeded in raising the two thousand pounds here,
by subscription, that was wanted towards an exploration fund, for
fitting out an expedition, that will probably start for the
interior of our continent next March. Camels have been sent for, to
be used in places where horses cannot go. You would be astonished
at the number of applications that are being made by people anxious
to join the expedition. Nine-tenths of them would wish themselves
home again before they had been out three months. Give my love to
the two girls, and believe me, my dear Charley,

Your affectionate brother,

WILLIAM J. WILLS.

. . .

Flagstaff Observatory, Melbourne, November 18th, 1859.

MY DEAR MOTHER,

The homeward mail closes in about half an hour, so that I have
very little time to write. The mail did not arrive here until a few
days ago, being more than a week after time. I was glad to receive
your short letter. We have had a very pleasant spring this year;
not so many hot winds as usual. I have mentioned in my letter to
B--that it is probable I shall be going up the country again in a
few months, but that need not make any difference in the address of
my letters, as Professor Neumayer will have the best opportunities
of forwarding them to me. We have lately had a visit from Dr.
Hochstelter, a German professor, who came out in the Novara, an
Austrian frigate, sent by the Austrian government to make a
sci