and skill displayed, and the privations endured. Some had costly outfits, yet only found barren deserts; while others, though poorly equipped, discovered magnificent pastoral and agricultural lands, bounteously supplied with lakes and streams. Such are the fortunes of war in the great field of Exploration.
In my last chapter it will be observed that I have ventured to foreshadow the future Exploration of Australia. The included map, prepared by the South Australian Branch of the Geographical Society of Australia, illustrates my object. It will be noted that large areas yet remain unexplored; and I am at present fitting out a Scientific Exploring Expedition, so that these regions may not remain as now―practically "terra incognita." The unmapped districts all lie within the boundaries of Western and South Australia―the greater proportion being in the former. My scheme is fully set forth in Chapter 36.
Trusting that my design will meet with success, and that this record of the achievements of Australian Explorers will merit a measure of approval, I send forth this Volume.
It goes without saying, that I am, in some degree, indebted to previous writers on the same subject. Chiefly, however, I have gleaned my matter from the original journals of the Explorers; but to those authors from whom I have borrowed information, I hereby tender my acknowledgments, my apologies, and my thanks.
Royston, Eton Avenue,
London, June, 1896.
