4 PREPARATION FOR THE JOURNEY. [CH. I. 



must have been the dividing ridge or spine connecting the 

 eastern and western parts of Australia, and which, when 

 once investigated was likely to be the key to the discovery of 

 all the rivers on each side, and to the other subordinate 

 features of this ""reat island. 



Thus, the most direct and practical plan for seeking the 

 river, was perfectly consistent with my views of general 

 exploration. 



In the selection of men to compose an exploring party, 

 and in collecting the articles of equipment, provisions, and 

 means of transport, my department afforded various facili- 

 ties. This aid was the more necessary in my case, because the 

 other duties of my office, prevented me from devoting much 

 attention personally, to the preparations for such a journey. 



From the known level character of the interior, I con- 

 sidered that the light drays or carts used by the surveyors 

 miglit easily pass, and I, therefore, preferred them to pack 

 horses, being also a more convenient means of conveyance ; 

 I availed myself likewise of such men, carts, bullocks, and 

 horses, as were disposable in the survey department at the 

 time. The new Governor was expected in the course of a 

 few months, and I was, therefore, desirous to set out as soon 

 as possible, that I might return before his arrival. 



After several weeks of anxious preparation, 1 had the sa- 

 tisfaction to find that every contingency was, as far as pos- 

 sible, provided for in my department. Each oflicer, whether 

 employed in the survey of the different parts of the colony, 

 or the measurement of farms, was also fully instructed re- 

 specting his duties during my contemplated absence. In the 

 correspondence with the office at Sydney, which amounted 

 amniallv to about 2000 letters, none remained unanswered ; 

 and my last cares were to leave, in the hands of an engraver, 

 a map of the colony, that the past labours of the department 

 might be permanently secured to the public, whatever might 

 be our fate in the interior. 



Little time remained for me to look at the sextants, theo- 



