March 22, 1858.] RECENT AUSTRALIAN EXPLORATIONS. 
193 
he came to the same conclusion. His opinion was that the natives came down 
originally from the north coast in three columns ; the first by the west coast, 
the next by the east coast, and the third down the centre to the westward of 
Lake Torrens. He believes strongly the country was occupied in that way, 
and, therefore, that there must he a line of route through the interior. 
Now, what a deeply-important political and geographical feature that is to 
search out ! Politically, it brings the rich south-eastern provinces into com- 
munication with North Australia, and with the magnificent islands of the 
Indian Archipelago. By such a route it would he possible to establish electric 
communication with England, if we chose to lay the line. I do not know 
whether the Society is aware that an expedition has been formed under Mr. 
Babbage, and that he has probably already set out for the interior, well pre- 
pared with provisions for eighteen months, and with apparatus for distilling 
water. I consider this expedition of immense importance to all who are 
interested in the geography of Australia, and that we may at least begin to 
think about getting up a line of railway from Stokes’s Victoria Biver to the 
south-western point of Lake Torrens. 
The President. — We are much obliged to Colonel Gawler. It is seldom 
we have persons present so much experienced in Australian geography ; and 
if his view should be borne out, I shall be happy to modify the views which 
I have ventured to broach theoretically respecting the great interior of that 
country. I beg to submit to Colonel Gawler that the experience of Mr. 
Gregory on the north certainly led us to expect that the country towards 
the interior became so saline that it would be worthless, and useless to try to 
penetrate it ; whilst all our experience upon the west has tended in that direc- 
tion. Up the Shark river, and to the river that bears my name, the country 
is so saline that nobody can settle upon it. I am afraid my friend Mr. 
Arrowsmith’s name is not in a better position than my own. His river passes 
altogether through saline marshes. 
VOL. II. 
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