a mere extension of the Anglo-Indian empire as a matter of indifference.  It would be almost impossible to exaggerate the importance of these considerations; I shall, however, abstain from occupying your time by dwelling upon what must be so obvious to all.  The Colonists of New South Wales, Dr. Leichhardt, have been anxious to evince their gratitude to you for all that you have done in behalf of this their adopted country.  As soon as your return was announced, subscriptions were entered into for the purpose of presenting to you a suitable testimonial.  To the fund raised for this purpose persons of all classes, and from every quarter of the colony, have contributed.  The sum that has been raised amounts to 1518 pounds 18 shillings 6 pence.  The Executive, with a laudable emulation, have presented you a sum of 1000 pounds from the Crown revenue.  Gratifying as this demonstration must doubtlessly prove to your feelings, it is unquestionably beneath your deserts; and the substantial reward due to your past exertions will be found in the undying glory of having your name enrolled amongst those of the great men whose genius and enterprise have impelled them to seek for fame in the prosecution of geographical science—­with those of Niebuhr, Burckhardt, Park, Clapperton, Lander, and, in Australian geography, with those of Oxley, Cunningham, Sturt, Eyre, and Mitchell.  In these days of universal knowledge, when there are so many competitors for distinction in every department of science, few attain the desired goal of scientific eminence.  Perhaps no one has so fair a chance of giving immortality to his name as he who has first planted his foot where civilized man had never before trodden.  The first chapter in the history of Australia, some thousand years hence, will present a narration of those adventurous spirits—­of the exploits of those who may fairly be considered its first conquerors, and by whose peaceful triumphs an empire had been added to the parent state.  I cannot close this brief address without indulging in an aspiration for the safety and success of one now engaged in an enterprise similar to that from which you hate earned so much honour.  I allude to Sir T. Mitchell.  To enter upon any eulogium of the character or abilities of that distinguished officer on the present occasion, is uncalled for; the enterprise in which he is engaged must command the sympathy of every person here present, and I am sure of no one more than of yourself.  In enterprises such as those in which both he and yourself are engaged, it may fairly be said the harvest is plentiful, the labourers are few—­a kindred taste and zeal in the pursuit of a common object can be attended with no other than a worthy and generous emulation.  It only remains for me to add one word to what I have already said—­you have disclosed your intention of starting within a few weeks from the present time on another exploratory expedition.  From your past career we may all safely indulge in sanguine