N.B.  I should wish the theodolite and circles to be packed very differently from the usual way, as many instruments are seriously injured by the box warping either inwards or outwards; in the one case pressing too much on the instruments, and in the other, which is worse, leaving them too much space, so that they shake about whenever the box is carried.  The consequence is that the screws loosen, the glasses fall out of the telescopes, and the instruments become unfit for use just when they are most wanted.  I think these evils may be avoided by having the parts of the box which touch any instrument well padded with the most elastic materials, and for it to be supported entirely on steel springs, strong enough to keep it firmly in its place, and with sufficient play to allow the box to warp without injury to any of the contents.  I also wish an improvement in the stand of the theodolite, which ought not to be smaller than that of the five-inch one, and the joints made of the metals least likely to sustain damage from friction.  The cap-piece should be nearly twice the depth, vertically, and cut out of one solid piece of metal.  I subjoin a sketch of it, with the dimensions.  It may be made of whatever metal you think proper.  There is no harm in having iron about it, because we seldom require to use the needle.  My reason for wanting this improvement is, that the legs get loose so quickly from the wearing away of brass, and that the many small surfaces in contact are too disproportionate to their length.  Strength and durability are of far more consequence than lightness, as we have not the facilities for getting things repaired here that you have in England.  The figures I have placed opposite to the instruments described are not supposed to be the exact prices, but merely suggested as guides.  I hope you will do the best you can with the improvements mentioned, especially in the mode of packing the larger articles.  Please also to insure them to the full value.

I have the honour to be,

Gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

W.J.  Wills.

. . .

He then in a postscript makes some suggestions as to the graduation of the scales.  The instruments were sent out in the shortest possible time and gave great satisfaction.  On departing for his last fatal expedition, he requested me, should he not return, to give all his remaining instruments to his friend Mr. Byerly, for whom his high estimation never abated.  This injunction I fulfilled as far as in my power.  Any person who may happen to be in charge of some that I had not, will I trust deliver them to their lawful owner, Frederick Byerly, Esquire, Surveyor, Melbourne.