LIEUTENANT GREY. 209 



justify the expression of an opinion that this was an 

 ill-chosen spot for the deharkation of an expedition 

 for inland research ; though unquestionably its 

 proximity to our East Indian possessions, would 

 make it, if suitable in other respects, a most valu- 

 able spot for colonization. I shall always regret 

 that Lieut. Grey and his companions had not the 

 advantage of starting from the Fitz-Roy, or explor- 

 ing yet further the unknown course of the Victoria, 

 by which I am now convinced, a most successful 

 attempt to reach the interior might be made. 



Alas ! while we cannot but regret the prodigal 

 sacrifices of health and energy made to acquire such 

 a limited knowledge of a part of the continent, 

 hitherto utterly unknown, we must not forget to 

 do justice to the perseverance which opposing 

 obstacles could defeat, but not daunt ; and in what 

 it did accomplish, furnished additional motives to 

 renewed exertion, and useful suggestions by which 

 more fortunate followers may reap the success 

 deserved by, though denied, to the first adventurers. 



The worn and haggard aspect of Lieut. Grey 

 and all his companions, spoke of itself how severe 

 had been the hardships they were called on to en- 

 dure ; I need not say that their wants were relieved 

 with the utmost eagerness of frank hospitality, and 

 that their tales of *' hair-breadth 'scapes" and 

 " moving accidents" awoke all ears, and stirred in 

 every heart. To meet with a countryman in a foreign 

 land, is of itself generally an agreeable incident : the 



VOL. II. P 



