64 
rocks were found, and the prospectors diligently examined various 
localities. 
On the 24th of June we again turned towards the east, reaching 
Glen Helen on the 26th. Here the detachment under Mr. Cowle 
rejoined the main party. Mount Sonder and other mountains were 
correctly charted and their exact heights determined. On the 30th 
of June we arrived at the Finke Gorge, in the Finke river, and from 
there pursued a southerly course. Leaving the Macdonnell Ranges 
and crossing the Missionaries Plain we reached Hermannsburg 
Mission Station on the 2nd of July. An extended stay was made 
at this place for the purpose of examining the Finke river, Glen of 
Palms, and the Krichauff Ranges to the south, the geologist and 
prospectors meanwhile inspecting the Macdonnell Ranges to the 
north and eastward as far as the transcontinental telegraph line. 
On the 9th of July we departed from the mission station, and on 
the following day, in lat, 28° 59’ 50”S., long. 138° 6’, the main party 
took a direct course for Alice Springs. At the same time a con- 
tingent of the expedition started for Paisley’s and Brinkley’s bluffs, 
afterwards crossing to the north side of the Macdonnell Ranges, 
passing over: finely-grassed plains, and eventually reaching Alice 
Springs on the 15th of July. Here the other members were already 
in camp, and here valuable additions were made to the several col- 
lections. 
The expedition left Alice Springs on its return journey on the 
18th of July. The biologist, however, remained for the purpose 
of prosecuting inquiries arising out of certain zoological discoveries, 
and the geologist of the expedition, with one of the prospectors, 
stayed in order to examine the ruby fields and auriferous country on 
the Hale river to the eastward, both undertaking to rejoin the party 
ere its arrival at its terminal point. Travelling southward over 
splendidly-grassed and lightly-timbered country, we crossed the 
Ooraminna and James ranges, and the overland telegraph line was 
again struck at the Alice Well on the Hugh river on the 22nd of 
July. Here the work of the expedition ended, and all haste was 
made towards Oodnadatta, by way of Crown Point and Charlotte 
Waters. The party reached Oodnadatta on the 5th of August. 
It had been absent exactly three months. During that period it 
travelled 2,200 miles. Over 27,000 square miles of country were 
correctly mapped in detail. Of this territory 14,000 square miles 
were of good pastoral country, consisting of loamy soil with abun- 
dance of grass and herbaceous bushes ; and 18,000 square miles of . 
inferior sandridges and porcupine, which, however, in conjunction 
with the former country, might be made available for pastoral 
purposes. 
