PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS—SECTION E. 
AN ARTIFIGIALLY WATERED STOCK-ROUTE 
THROUGH CENTRAL AUSTRALIA. 
By W. BH. TIE TEINS, &.E.G.S. 
> 
Tus subject opens out many possibilities, and is worthy of 
consideration. The particular route that Mr. Carnegie would 
have suggested is, of course, unknown to us, but suppose that 
no direct line has been adopted, we may, perhaps, infer that 
he would have proposed to cross the central desert tract in a 
locality where it is at its least extent in an east and west direc- 
tion. This probably would be in about lat. 25 deg. 40 min. 5. 
Adopting this parallel of latitude, and travelling westerly 
from the overland telegraph line, the natural features and more 
favourable conditions for travel offered by the Mann, Tomkin- 
son and Cavenagh Ranges would be taken advantage of, such 
waters that are known to exist in these ranges would be utilised 
for the work of experimental bores for well-sinking at points 
to be decided upon, the construction of reservoirs and enlarging 
any existing natural water where the supply is doubtful or 
inadequate. These ranges extend in an east and west direction 
for +00 miles. No difficulty was experienced at the time of my 
visit. Grass and water were found in abundance, proving that 
the country is at times visited by heavy rains, which leave the 
gullies and creeks running for weeks, and the larger reservoirs 
full for months afterwards. 
Alexander Springs, situated about 100 miles west of the War- 
burton Ranges, would appear to be an important. position when 
considered in connection with such an undertaking, and one 
where the present supply should be greatly enlarged, for it ap- 
pears to be on the threshold of a waterless tract that extends 
to the westward for perhaps 200 miles, which distance would 
require six watering places to be established, and presents 
greater difficulties than would be met with in any other part 
of the work, but small native wells and reservoirs hitherto un- 
discovered may be found which would render valuable aid, and 
