can at present form a solid conjecture.  Looking to the dark side, he may traverse a country useless to man; but contemplating the bright side, and remembering that but a few years since Sturt, setting off on an equally mysterious course, laid the foundation for the large community in which we dwell, it is in reason to hope that Mr. Eyre will discover a country which may derive support from us, and increase the prosperity of our Province.  I must express my gratification at the manner in which this enterprise, noble, let its results be what they may, has been supported by our colonists at large.  It is a greater honor to be at the head of the government of a colony of enlightened and enterprising men, than at that of an empire of enslaved and ignorant beings in the form of men.  I count it so.  May the zeal which has been exhibited in the colony in the promotion of every good and useful work ever continue.  Some ladies of Adelaide have worked a British Union Jack for Mr. Eyre.  Captain Sturt will be their representative to present it to him.  After that we will adjourn to the opposite rooms to invoke a blessing on the enterprise.  All here, and I believe the whole colony, give to Mr. Eyre their best wishes, but to good wishes right-minded men always add fervent prayers.  There is an Almighty invisible Being in whose hands are all events—­man may propose, but it is for God only to dispose—­let us therefore implore his protection.”

“The Hon. Captain Sturt then received a very handsome Union Jack, neatly worked in silk; and presenting it to Mr. Eyre, spoke nearly as follows:—­

“It cannot but be gratifying to me to be selected on such an occasion as this, to perform so prominent a part in a duty the last a community can discharge towards one who, like you, is about to risk your life for its good.  I am to deliver to you this flag, in the name of the ladies who made it, with their best wishes for your success, and their earnest prayers for your safety.  This noble colour, the ensign of our country, has cheered the brave on many an occasion.  It has floated over every shore of the known world, and upon every island of the deep.  But you have to perform a very different, and a more difficult duty.  You have to carry it to the centre of a mighty continent, there to leave it as a sign to the savage that the footstep of civilized man has penetrated so far.  Go forth, then, on your journey, with a full confidence in the goodness of Providence; and may Heaven direct your steps to throw open the fertility of the interior, not only for the benefit of the Province, but of our native country; and may the moment when you unfurl this colour for the purpose for which it was given to you, be as gratifying to you as the present.”