ch the men would otherwise have had to subsist.

The provisions should, if possible, be issued weekly, and their
diminution should be so regulated as to give an equal relief to the
animals.

For general information I have annexed a list of the supplies I took
with me on my first expedition. It may appear long, but the articles
were packed in a small compass, and their value immaterial.

As a precautionary measure I should advise, that one of the pack
animals be kept apart for the purpose of carrying water. Two casks of
equal weight are the best for such a purpose. In long and hot marches,
the men experience great relief from having water at hand.

INTERCOURSE WITH THE NATIVES.

In reference to the natives, I hope sufficient has been said of the
manner of communicating with them to prevent the necessity of a
repetition here. The great point is not to alarm their natural
timidity: to exercise patience in your intercourse with them; to treat
them kindly; and to watch them with suspicion, especially at night.
Never permit the men to steal away from the camp, but keep them as
compact as possible; and at every station so arrange your drays and
provisions that they may serve as a defence in case of your being
attacked.

The natives appeared to me to be indifferent to our presents, in most
cases. Tomahawks, knives, pieces of iron, and different coloured
ribbons for the forehead, were most esteemed by them. They will barter
and exchange their fish for articles, and readily acquire confidence.

I believe I have now touched on all the more important points: on minor
ones no observation I can make will be of use; men must, in many
things, be guided by circumstances.

* * * * *

WHALE BOAT EMPLOYED ON THE SECOND EXPEDITION.

I may here notice that, in my second expedition, as it was anticipated
that I should require adequate provision for water conveyance, at one
stage or other of my journey down the Morumbidgee, I was furnished with
a whale-boat, the dimensions of which are given below. She was built by
Mr. Egan, the master builder of the dock-yard and a native of the
colony, and did great credit to his judgment. She carried two tons and
a half of provisions, independently of a locker, which I appropriated
for the security of the arms, occupying the space between the
after-seat and the stern. She was in the first instance put together
loosely, her planks and timbers marked, and her ring bolts, &c. fitted.
She was then