for the year 1862. xlv 



This knowledge has been since largely extended by the 

 subsidiary expeditions sent in quest of the missing explorers, 

 which have connected their discoveries on every side with 

 regions previously visited, and established the existence of a 

 broad belt of fertile country with soil of volcanic origin, 

 stretching from east to west at varying distances from the 

 northern coast, and watered by streams flowing, in some 

 cases, in that direction, but mainly towards the south. 



As four of these expeditions, besides a fresh one under 

 that intrepid veteran, McDouall Stuart, are still in the 

 field, we may reasonably hope to acquire further information 

 of value as to the nature of the interior, and to fill up some 

 of the blanks which still remain on the map of this 

 Continent. 



Hitherto, owing chiefly to the hurried movements of these 

 parties, and their light outfit, the collections made in the 

 various branches of natural history have not been very 

 extensive. No new genera of plants have* I fear, gladdened 

 Dr. Mueller's eyes ; nor has Professor M'Coy many novel 

 zoological specimens from this source to produce to-night. 



As, however, the South Australian party is this time 

 accompanied by an experienced naturalist, Mr. Waterhouse, 

 whilst our own, Mr. Howitt, is an ardent and skilful 

 collector, it may fairly be anticipated that these explorations 

 will ultimately prove by no means barren even in these 

 respects. 



One result indirectly bearing on zoology has been fully 

 established in several of these expeditions, the perfect fitness 

 of the camel as a beast of burden in the hottest and driest 

 parts of Australia, Large orders, it is stated, have been in 

 consequence already sent to India on behalf of these remotest 

 South Australian settlers, and though in the more tempe- 

 rate clime of our own Australia Felix no absolute necessity 

 for such aid may arise, I think that the Acclimatization 



