tached to all future expeditions. The
success of an expedition depends so much on the conduct of the persons
of whom it is composed, that too much attention cannot be given to the
selection even of the most subordinate. Men of active intelligent
minds, of persevering habits, and of even temper, should be preferred
to mechanics who do not possess these most requisite qualities. On the
other hand, it is impossible to do without a good carpenter, however
defective he may be in other respects. I was indebted to Mr. Maxwell,
the superintendent of Wellington Valley, for some excellent men, both
on my first and on my second journey, because he understood the nature
of the service for which they were required, and the characters of
those whom he recommended. But however well selected the party, or the
men rather, might be, I still consider a man of general responsibility
necessary for its complete organisation. I would have him somewhat
superior to the rest in his station in life. Him I would hold
answerable for the immediate discipline of the camp, whilst I was
present, and for its safety when absent. The assistant to the leader I
would put entirely out of the question. He has other and most important
duties to perform. I would rate this man wholly independent of him.

DANGER OF COLLISION WITH THE NATIVES.

In reference to what I have already said with regard to the natives, it
was supposed that they were so little to be apprehended, that when I
went on the first occasion into the interior, I applied for a limited
number of men only, under an impression that with a few men I could
carry provisions equal to a consumption of a greater number, and by
this means be enabled to keep the field for a greater length of time.
But I do not think it would be safe to penetrate into the distant
country with fewer than fifteen men, for although, happily, no rupture
has as yet taken place with the natives, yet, there is no security
against their treachery, and it is very certain that a slight cause
might involve an expedition in inextricable difficulty, and oblige the
leader to throw himself on the defensive, when far away from other
resources than those with which he should have provided himself, and
that, perhaps, when navigating a close and intricate river, with all
the dangers and perplexities attendant on such a situation. It is
absolutely necessary to establish nightly guards, not only for the
security of the camp, but of the cattle, a