AUSTRALIAN EXPLORATION. 
547 
to repeat the call before they fully understood, and then they gave three long 
and hearty cheers. I dipped my feet and washed my face and hands in 
the sea, and collected a few shells .... Thus have I through the instru- 
mentality of Divine Providence been led to accomplish the great object of 
the expedition, and to take the whole party through, as witnesses to the 
fact, and through one of the finest countries man would wish to pass — 
good to the seacoast, with a stream of running water within half a mile of 
the sea. If this country is settled it will be one of the finest colonies 
under the Crown, suitable for the growth of any and everything. What 
a splendid country for producing cotton ! ” So having hoisted the Union 
Jack, and buried a record of the discovery at the foot of a tree on which 
their names were cut, they forthwith commenced the return journey. 
This return was made over the same route. Many horses had been lost 
on the way, and thus the return was rendered proportionately difficult ; 
but excepting some encounters with the natives, difficulties with respect to 
water, and such accidents, the journey presented nothing remarkable. 
Mr. Stuart himself, however, fell ill, and at one time scarcely expected to 
reach home alive. But early in January of the present year this gallant 
hand did reach Adelaide, though Mr. Stuart was but in a weak state of 
health. Preparations were being made to give them an enthusiastic 
reception, for their fellow-colonists well know the difficulties of the 
exploration, and are able fully to appreciate the judgment and success 
with which it has been carried out. 
2 P 
VOL. II. — NO. VIII. 
