xviii Report of Exploration Committee. 



the obstacles so insignificant, Australia ere this had ceased to be a 

 field for exploration. 



In conclusion, I beg to assure you that I shall ever feel a warm 

 interest in whatever may tend to the development of the resources of 

 this continent. 



And believe me to remain, 



Yours very truly, 



A. C. Gregory. 



In reference to the statement made by Mr. Gregory as to the pre- 

 valence of salt water in many districts, particularly of the western 

 ulterior, Mr. Blandowski expressed an opinion that this circumstance 

 should not of itself deter an explorer, since in other districts of 

 Australia fresh and salt water lakes were frequently found in proxi- 

 mity to each other. 



Dr. Mueller explained that under the rapid evaporation in the dry 

 atmosphere of the desert, combined with the solution of salt particles 

 from the soil, stagnant water became entirelyundrinkable,and this even 

 after heavy thunder showers. Such waters might be comparatively 

 fresh, and he deduced in illustration the experience in this respect of 

 Mr. Oakden in the country west of Lake Torrens. Dr. Mueller at the 

 same time admitted that drainage water collecting in a sandy or not 

 saline ground might always afford a supply of fresh water, as in the 

 instance of Lake Benanee. From previous experience, however, 

 large depressed tracts of saline country of recent formation might be 

 expected in the interior desert, which, it might be anticipated, would 

 be but scantily provided with fresh water. 



Dr. Mueller thought that the " Second Darling" (The " Paroo") 

 described by the natives to Mr. Blansdowski, as existing to the 

 north of the River Darling, would probably prove to be a continuation 

 of the Warrego Creek, and if so would greatly facilitate an expedition 

 northward from the Darling. Such, at least, would yield an oasis 

 in the desert, similar to those on Eyre's Creek, Cooper's Creek, and 

 Sturt's Creek, and which will always be of the highest importance to 

 travellers proceeding towards central Australia. 



Dr. Wilkie and Mr. Blandowski urged that the route selected 

 should be that from Port Curtis, proceeding to the junction of the 

 Victoria and Thomson Pavers, at or near the junction of which a 

 depot should be established. 



Dr. Mueller, in supporting the amendment to this motion, con- 

 trasted the facility for the transit of stores furnished by the Murray 

 steam navigation, almost to the point of unexplored country, with 

 the difficult and partially mountainous route to be traversed when 

 transporting, under not less expense, large quantities of stores from 

 the east coast to the junction of the rivers named. He pointed out, 

 also, that in selecting the Darling route a direct hue of communica- 



