Nov. 8, 1858.] GASCOYNE RIVERS, IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA. 53 



tlie lands on the Mnrchison, near Mount Hale, would make a total of 

 about a million of acres. 



A very important circumstance in connection with this district is 

 the total absence, so far as we were able to observe, of any of the 

 varieties of Gastrolobiiim or Euphorbia, which constitute the poison- 

 ous plants so fatal to cattle and sheep in other parts of the colony. 



The means of access to the Upper Gascoyne and Lyons is another 

 important matter for consideration. I am inclined to think that 

 these districts cannot be advantageously settled until the tract of 

 country between it and the north coast has been explored, and a port 

 established somewhere between Exmouth Gulf and Depuch Island, 

 as, should the country in that direction fulfil its promise, the inter- 

 vening space would very quickly be filled up and the lands on the 

 Gascoyne become available, its distance from the north coast being 

 about 200 miles, while from Port Gregory or Champion Bay would 

 not be less than from 340 to 360 miles ; a difference of some moment 

 in the transport of stores or produce. 



From the lay of the country to the northward of the Lyons Eiver 

 there does not appear to be any reason to suppose that a river of any 

 magnitude falls into Exmouth Gulf, as there would be hardly room 

 for it between the sources of the Alma and the rivers flowing to the 

 north coast. 



I cannot bring my Eeport to a conclusion without recording my 

 acknowledgments to Mr. James Eoe for the able and efiicient as- 

 sistance he has rendered me throughout the expedition, barometrical 

 observations and management of the provision department having 

 been especially under his charge. 



My best thanks are also due to Mr. W. Moore and Mr. C. Nairne, 

 who on every occasion endeavoured to relieve me as much as possible 

 from some of the many arduous duties that necessarily devolve on 

 the leader of an exploring party. Chainer Fairburn and the Native 

 Dugel also gave general satisfaction in the performance of their 

 respective duties. 



I may add that to the ready co-operation and unanimity that pre- 

 vailed throughout the party may, in no small degree, be ascribed the 

 successful issue of the undertaking. 



I have the honour to be. Sir, &c., 



F. T. Gregory, Assistant-Surveyor. 

 To the Hon. the Surveyor- General^ &c. 



The President. — ^I feel personally obliged to Mr. F. Gregory for having 

 brought the Murchison River into lashioii. When my friend Sir George Grey, 

 the present governor of the Cape of Good Hope, went to explore this country 



