If we except the results of a survey made by the late Lieut.-Governor, Colonel Robe, of the upper part of Spencer’s Gulf, during which, as is the case in the same part of the neighbouring gulf, his Excellency found convenient bays and inlets, but little is known of the eastern shore of that splendid gulf, beyond this point.  Double the size of St. Vincent’s Gulf, it runs up to the 32 1/2 parallel, and was at one time or other very probably connected with Lake Torrens.  The higher part is backed by a range of mountains, the more prominent of which were named by Captain Flinders—­Mount Remarkable, Mount Browne, and Mount Arden.  On the first of these there were so many indications of copper, that a special survey of 20,000 acres was taken by a company for the purpose of working any lodes that might be found.  The country round about Mount Remarkable is stated to be exceedingly picturesque and good; so that independently of any value it may possess as a mineral survey, it possesses both agricultural and pastoral advantages.  After passing the Mount Remarkable Range, however, the country falls off in character.  A dreary region extends round the head of the Gulf, and, it is to be feared, to a much greater distance.  The description given by Mr. Eyre, and the reports of those who have endeavoured to penetrate to the westward of Lake Torrens both agree as to the sterile and inhospitable character of the remote interior.  Little improvement takes place in it on following down the western shore of the Gulf.  Several individuals, indeed, have perished in endeavouring to take stock round the head of the Gulf to Port Lincoln, either from the want of water, or from having wandered and lost themselves amidst the low brush with which it is covered.  The whole of the country, indeed, lying to the westward of Spencer’s Gulf is, as far as I have been able to ascertain, of very inferior description.  There are, it is true, isolated patches of good land, and a limited run for sheep, but the character of the country corresponds but little with the noble feature for which Spencer’s Gulf is so justly celebrated.  In reference to this magnificent basin, Captain Lee, from whom I have already quoted, observes—­

“The harbour of Port Lincoln, including Boston Bay, is situated near the extremity of the Peninsula, which forms the west side of Spencer’s Gulf in the Province of South Australia, and from its great extent, and the number of its safe anchorages, is capable of containing the largest fleets, and as a depot, is not, perhaps, to be surpassed by any port in the world.  Vessels from England, bound to Port Lincoln, should run along in about 35 degrees 20 minutes south latitude, until they arrive in 135 degrees 20 minutes east longitude, when they may haul up to the north-east, and make Cape Catastrophe.  After arriving near the Cape, they may then shape a course to pass between it and Williams’ Island.  There are strong tide ripplings here, which, to a stranger, would present the appearance of reefs; but