94 



Besides those above-mentioned granitic dykes, only a few 

 pegmatite protrusions were observed there. It remains to be 

 observed here that also in this part of our journey two specimens 

 of obsidian bombs were procured — one in the Great Victorian 

 Desert amongst the sandhills, and one at the Fraser Range. 



III.— MINERAL PROSPECTS. 



Regarding the mineral prospects of this country, only the two 

 PaliBOzoic patches are worth consideration here. 



Concerning the one between Camps 52 and 54, it must be 

 remembered that this, although a promising piece of country, is 

 at present too far from any civilized place to be much thought of 

 as a prospecting ground. 



On the other hand, the Fraser Range and its highly 

 mineralised surroundings afford the highest possible chances for 

 being vigorously worked by prospectors. 



It is situated only about 130 miles from the sea coast, from 

 which a well-beaten road, with several wells, is available for the 

 whole distance. 



The range itself boasts, thanks to the energetic manner in 

 which the owners of the place have improved their property, of 

 many good wells, dams, &c., with abundance of splendid water. 



This place could be made a kind of a centre, from where pro- 

 specting parties could start, and fall back upon if necessary, in 

 case of want of water, &c. 



The country north and north-east of tiiis range is of a highly 

 metalliferous character. 



Even by the cursory inspection, which was all that was 

 possible owing to our method of exploring, I was able to find any 

 number of quartz-reefs, which I should have liked to examine 

 more closely. Not only gold will be found in this country, but 

 also other precious metals, as, for instance, silver, as there are 

 higlily-promising indications of it. 



There are many big blows of manganiferous ironstone which, I 

 should say, are well worth thoroughly testing. 



Considering the fact that this metalliferous area is bordered to 

 the north by the Hampton Plains, an excellent piece of country 

 for pastoral and even agricultural purposes, it is a double recom- 

 mendation towards attempting the opening up of the back lands 

 of the Eraser Range, with a view of developing its mineral 

 wealth. 



IV.— SUBTERRANEAN" WATER-SUPPLY. 



As has been hinted above, the country between Fraser Range 

 and Victoria Spring seems to be favoured with a moderately high 

 rainfall, influenced by the relative pi-oximity of the sea. In 

 addition to this, the favourable physiographical conditions of this 



