Reports of Committees. xxxv 



west coast, and thence across the country to the South. 3rcl. Across 

 the country by the most direct route to Cooper's Creek, in lat. 

 27° 37' 8", long. 141° 5', where the party would be on the verge of 

 the unexplored country, and on a spot where permanent water could 

 be had, and a depot formed, Avhence excursions could be made to tlie 

 north or north-west as might be deemed desirable, and upon which 

 the party could at any time fall back for supplies in case of necessity. 



The vital importance of the selection to be made gave your Com- 

 mittee much anxiety, in which the givave responsibility resting on 

 every member of it was sensibly felt. The reasons for each of these 

 routes were carefully and calmly weighed, and after a full and earnest 

 debate, the route by Cooper's Creek Avas finally selected, as pos- 

 sessing the greatest number of advantages that could be secured 

 consistently with the successful prosecution of the objects of the 

 enterprise. 



The preparations for the long journey were, in the meantime, 

 rapidly progressing, and the outfit, as suggested by the Committee 

 and Leader, was approved of by tlie Government, and furnished for 

 the most part by the Government Storekeeper. (The list is printed 

 in Appendix I.) 



The expedition being fully equipped and prepared, took its departure 

 from the Royal Park, August 20th, 1860, in the presence of a vast 

 concourse of the inhabitants of Melbourne, Avho enthusiastically 

 cheered the caravan as it started on its perilous and interesting 

 journey ; Dr. Richard Eades, !Mayor of Melbourne, and Vice-Presi- 

 dent of the Society, on behalf of the people, wishing Mr. Burke and 

 Ms companions God-speed. 



Your Committee has only further to state that notwithstanding 

 some changes in the party, satisfactory progress has been made, and 

 the latest intelligence confirms the opinion that the efliciency of the 

 Expedition has been improved by the alterations and reductions that 

 have been effected. 



Your Committee refrains from making any comments on the seces- 

 sion of some officers, and other events of minor importance which 

 have been placed before the public from time to time ; and in 

 closing this re];)ort, earnestly commends the interests of the Expedi- 

 tion and the fair fame of the gallant leader, with all his devoted 

 officers and brave companions, to the proverbial candour of all honor- 

 able men, and the warm sympathy of the Royal Society. 



c ^ 



