65 
The Johnston, Chandler, Bacon, Newland, James, Levi, Gill’s, 
Ooraminna, Krichauff, Gardiner, Waterhouse, Hart, and almost the 
whole of the Macdonnell Ranges were examined. Careful astro- 
nomical, meteorological, and magnetic observations were taken on 
every available occasion. In regard to the last mentioned, the 
magnetic dip, which hitherto has received but little attention in Aus- 
tralia, was carefully observed at regular distances. The elevation 
above sea level of all important points was ascertained. Several 
hundred excellent photographs were taken of the most striking 
natural features of the country passed through, types of natives, 
&e. Every possible opportunity of studying the habits and customs 
of the blacks was embraced. Much interesting information con- 
cerning them was gathered, and many native curios and relics were 
acquired. But the aboriginals encountered were singularly few. 
In the sphere of our travels they have greatly diminshed in number 
during late years, and they are still passmg away. Where not lone 
ago they comprised hundreds they will soon be represented by units. 
For the most part those we saw were of the semi-civilised type who 
affect the neighborhood of stations. ‘The doom of these has already 
been sealed. Their indescribably filthy habits and vices are fast 
hurrying them out of existence. 
Unfortunately the expedition made no discovery of mineral wealth 
in the Macdonnell Ranges; still its work even in this connection is 
of no mean importance. ‘The value of it is certainly of a negative 
nature; none the less it is real. In settling the question whether 
or not gold is present in the region visited an undoubted public 
service has been rendered. But if the country did not yield up 
any rich secret to the prospector, the purely scientific results 
secured are most noteworthy. Large collections were made in 
many of the departments of science. Botany and zoology, orni- 
thology and conchology, petrology and ethnology, geology and 
anthropology—not to mention other branches of knowledge—had 
most enthusiastic votaries in different members of the expedition. 
Nothing, indeed, could exceed the zeal which, was shown in the 
work of investigation and collection. How great has been the 
reward of this scientific ardor can be gathered only from a perusal 
of the reports of the specialists attached to this journal. That fact 
cannot be too strongly emphasized, and it is equally satisfactory to 
note that the journey from start to finish was accomplished without 
a single mishap. ; 
E 
