that had strayed in that direction, and had been brought down to Adelaide from Dr. Brown’s station.  These turned out to be two of the three that my son had lost when out on an excursion from Cooper’s Creek, the circumstances of which have been already mentioned.  Mr. McKinlay was at that time in Melbourne.  He immediately started by the Havelock steamer to offer his services as leader of the party.  I sent a letter to Sir Richard McDonnel, the Governor, by him, proposing to accompany them as surgeon, and to assist as guide.  I received a reply by telegram asking if I would put myself under Mr. McKinlay, and also requesting from the Government some additional camels.  I obtained permission from Mr. Heales to have those that might be useful, and in three days started in the Oscar (since lost) with the camels.

On arriving in Adelaide, I found that the South Australian Expedition was instructed to proceed, in the first instance, to Cooper’s Creek, whither Mr. Howitt had already gone.  This I thought a mistaken direction, as Howitt would be there before us, and the north and east search being amply provided for, it appeared profitless.  The Government also proposed a surveying tour on their own account, in conjunction with the search for the missing explorers.  These plans not exactly falling in with my view of the business, I gave up my intention of forming one of the party.  Mr. McKinlay was a fine fellow, well adapted to the work; his companions strong and lively, and of a proper age, neither too old nor too young.  Having seen him off, I determined to remain for a time in Adelaide, a delightful place, where I found some of the kindest and most agreeable acquaintances I have ever had the good fortune to meet with.

The South Australian Register, of the 24th of August, 1861, gave the following summary of the measures in progress:—­

Our readers will perhaps be surprised to learn that a new exploring expedition has just been sent to the northern interior.  To explore is clearly one of the missions of South Australia; but this time the object is less one of curiosity than humanity.  With Mr. Stuart and his party still engaged in the work of opening a route to the north-west coast, no one would have thought it desirable, under ordinary circumstances, to undertake fresh explorations.  But the whole colony has been moved by the dreadful doubt which hangs over the fate of Mr. Burke, the Victorian explorer, who, with three men, left Cooper’s Creek at the beginning of the year; having only a few months’ provisions with him.  They have not been heard of since, and there is not much hope entertained of their safety.  But all that can be done to assist them or to ascertain their fate is being done.  The three adjacent provinces have sent in search of the lost explorers, and this colony has also despatched its expedition for the same good purpose.  Mr. McKinlay, an experienced bushman, has left Adelaide upon this chivalric task, taking with him six men, twenty-four horses, and four camels.  His first duty is to seek for Burke, and in the next place to obtain a knowledge of unexplored country in the north.