COPY OF DESPATCH. 
179 
westward, I should have to encounter a country which I knew 
to be all but destitute of water, and to consist, for a very great 
distance, of barren sandy ridges and low lands, covered by an 
almost impenetrable scrub, at a season, too, when but little 
rain could be expected, and the beat would, in all probability, be 
intense ; still, of the two, the latter appeared to me the least ob- 
jectionable, as we should at least be going towards the point we 
wished to reach, and through a country as yet quite unknown. 
“ After mature and anxious consideration, therefore, I decided 
upon adopting it, hoping that my decision may meet with the 
approbation of the Committee. 
“ Previous to our arrival at Mount Arden, we experienced very 
showery weather for some days, (otherwise we could not have 
attempted a passage to the westward) ; and as there were no 
longer any apprehensions of water being found on the route to 
Streaky Bay, I sent two of my teams across upon our old tracks, 
in charge of my overseer, whilst I conducted the third myself, 
in company with Mr. Scott, direct to Port Lincoln, to procure 
the supplies we required. In crossing from Mount Arden, 
towards Port Lincoln, we travelled generally through a low 
barren country, densely covered by brush, among which were 
scattered, at considerable intervals, a few small patches of grass, 
with here and there some rocky elevations ; in the latter, we 
were usually able to procure water for ourselves and horses, 
until we arrived at the districts already explored, in traversing 
which we passed (to the N. E. of Port Lincoln) some rich, well 
watered valleys, bounded by a considerable extent of grassy hills, 
well adopted for sheep or cattle, arriving at Port Lincoln on the 
3rd of October. As a line of route from Adelaide for the emigra- 
tion of stock, the course we followed, though it cannot be called 
a good one, is perfectly practicable in the winter season ; and I 
have no doubt, when the country becomes better known, the 
present track might be considerably improved upon, and both 
grass and water obtained in greater abundance. 
“ I regret extremely to acquaint you, that on the morning of the 
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