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Dr. Neumayer on a Scientific 



[May 14 



the country between A and B, and twenty-seven months for the exploration 

 and scientific survey of that part of the route within the entirely unknown 

 region between points JB and D. Now let us examine what prospects of 

 success this would allow for the performance of the task proposed. The 

 distance from the Burdekin to Stuart's track may easily be travelled through, 

 at the moderate rate of ten miles a day, in 1 08 days, or three months and 

 a half, allowing a time of stay in each of the several depots of nearly two 

 months (1*9). For the route through the western country, the time has 

 been increased at a rate proportionate to the increased risk incurred and 

 the care to be bestowed upon the explorations within its regions. The time 

 requisite to travel over the line from B to D would be about five months 

 and a half, which would allow of a period of stay in each of the depots of 

 2*4 months ; counting, however, depot No. 6 twice, as it is proposed, for 

 reasons presently to be explained, to prolong the stay at that point beyond 

 the time generally allowed to the other depots. From this exposition, it is 

 evident that ample opportunities are offered for an exact study of the ground 

 travelled over with reference to the various branches of science to be in- 

 cluded in the scope of the entire work. This will become still more appa- 

 rent on the further unfolding of the details of the organization of the expe- 

 dition. Dr. Leichhardt intended to travel over nearly the same distance 

 in about two years and a half, and that too without having also, as regards 

 the eastern portion of the Continent, any information whatever to guide him 

 in his route ; and it was probably to some extent owing to the insufficiency 

 of time allowed by him for the carrying through of such an extensive un- 

 dertaking, and the consequent deficiency of provisions and outfit, that he 

 failed in its accomplishment. The extent, moreover, of the scientific labours 

 proposed to be undertaken on this occasion is something widely different 

 from what explorers twenty years ago could attempt, and is such as would 

 of itself alone justify an increase of time by twelve months. 



I shall now have to enumerate a few of the reasons prompting me in 

 proposing the route I have laid down in the preceding pages. From what 

 I have already said respecting the character of the tropical and subtropical 

 interior of Australia, it appears that the line of route from the Burdekin 

 to the Fincke of Stuart passes, as far as known, through practicable coun- 

 try, well watered and grassed, abounding in game of all kinds, and likewise 

 well peopled with aboriginals. We are on this route likely to meet with 

 the most practicable country in the interior we propose to explore and 

 examine, and shall probably shun entirely the so-called desert country, sub- 

 ject to destructive inundations. There is much likelihood that the unknown 

 regions in the west bear in many respects a great resemblance to the eastern 

 half ; and I therefore feel inclined to believe that on the same parallel of 

 latitude (23° S.) v/e shall meet with no greater obstacles to progress tlian 

 we are likely to er.counter in the east. The explorations of Mr. Gregory 

 in tlie same latitude and in longitude 1 17° seem to corroborate this opinion, 

 a3 the couritry appeared to him from that point towards the east to bear 



