DECIDING to compete for the prize offered by the Gawler Institute for the best History of South Australia, I set to work to prepare the material I had in my possession, and then turned my attention to the sources from which I might supplement it. I quite expected that the Hon. G. F. Angas (one of the principal founders of the Colony) could supply much useful information; and I found that he was willing to allow me access to his invaluable collection of letters and papers. The Government also kindly gave permission to me to search its archives for any information I could gather from this source; and the proprietors of the Register and Observer allowed me the free use of their files, which extended back to the foundation of the Colony. There was really no lack of material, but I needed judgment and discretion to guide me in making good use of it. The first pre-requisite for a start was, of course, a proper working plan. I adopted the course of breaking-up the story so that the events transpiring during the administration of each Governor should form separate sections. In the next place I determined to prepare a large number of memoranda, simply noting the events, and the sources whence particulars could be obtained. My idea of a reliable history was that the events that had taken place should be faithfully recorded, more than the compiler's views and opinions in regard to them. Certain explanations, I knew, would in some instances be necessary, and there did not appear to be much difficulty in the way of furnishing these. It was then my intention to leave the reader to draw such inferences as the facts might suggest; or a competent editor might do this before the work was placed in the hands of the [293] public. I considered that a careful and judicious compilation was absolutely necessary in the first instance, whatever might be done afterwards; and, with this leading idea, set to work in real earnest.

      Shortly after commencing the task I found it necessary that my mind should be concentrated upon it, and that other things which had largely occupied my thoughts should be as far as possible excluded. Conscience here became a little uneasy, as it was evident that I was gradually growing more worldly. This was just what might have been expected; but probably, had I foreseen that the spiritual barometer would have fallen so low, I would have shrunk from entering upon the work. I began to find that prayer was a less pleasurable exercise than formerly, though it was more than ever necessary at this particular period. Much less time could be bestowed upon the reading and study of the Scriptures, and this was a decided loss to me, and perhaps indirectly to those to whom I ministered in word and doctrine. Out of this apparent evil the Lord was able to bring some good, and as, in seeking for information, I was frequently brought into contact with the Hon. G. F. Angas, the work ultimately led to the opening-up of a sphere of usefulness that gave me great satisfaction. After I had made considerable progress with the "History," Mr. Angas, ascertaining that I was desirous of engaging in evangelistic work, offered to pay me a salary as an evangelist. I did not feel satisfied that it was a call from the Lord, or that I was qualified for the work. Besides this, I had a decided objection to taking a salary for preaching the Gospel, and though I have since accepted an honorarium or present now and again, I have never received a regular or stated salary as either preacher or pastor. I do not say it is wrong or unscriptural to do so; but it was my determination to present the Gospel free of charge to those to whom I ministered. It has been said that "that which costs but little is thought little of"; but if my ministrations were to be appraised by any amount given me, I should think little of it. Some time after the above incident the way was made clear for me to accept a position as private secretary to Mr. Angas, which will be referred to further on.

      Early in 1862, finding it impossible to complete the "History" in the specified time, I asked for an extension of three months, which was readily granted. At the expiration of that period what I had prepared was placed in the hands of the management of the Gawler Institute. It was thence sent on to the judges who had kindly undertaken to read and adjudicate [294] upon the work. I had no fault to find with these gentlemen, but the work was still in an unfinished state, I was well aware that it was not likely to meet with unqualified approval. I ascertained that the judges were disinclined to continue their voluntary services, and that some of them would like to be relieved of the task they had accepted. It then occurred to me that my best plan would be to ask for the return of that which I had written, and, after adding to it, to undertake the publishing at my own risk.

      In September, 1862, the judges brought up their report, which was, upon the whole, favorable. It ran as follows: "We, the undersigned, judges appointed by the committee of the Gawler Institute to examine and report upon the only 'History of South Australia' which has been submitted for the, prize offered by the committee, having read a considerable portion of the manuscript, are unanimously of opinion that, as the 'History' is unfinished, and the author is desirous to have it returned to him for completion and publication at his own risk, the most advisable course for the committee to pursue would be to comply with his wishes, and allow him to undertake the publication himself. By adopting this course the committee would, on the one hand, gratify the author, and, on the other, relieve itself of a great responsibility; as the work, though full of interesting and truthful details, requires a much more thorough revision of style, etc., verification of dates and presumed facts, than either the committee or the judges appointed by it has leisure to bestow upon it; and without which they could not be justified in publishing it, stamped, as it were, with their official imprimatur as to its correctness. The services of a competent editor, who could devote his whole time and undivided attention to the work, would be necessary to make it fit for publication. We are of opinion that the author deserves great, credit for collecting, in so short a time, such a mass of useful and interesting matter, which it is evident he could not have done without the exercise of unwearied industry and patient research; and we would take the liberty of suggesting that when the work, in its complete and revised form, appears before the public, the committee might present the author either with the whole or some portion of the money offered as a prize; and thus testify its appreciation of his labors, and its desire to encourage and reward the local talent which its liberal invitation has been the means of calling into play."

      This report was signed by the judges as follows:--Canon Coombs, Dr. Wyatt, and Messrs. W. Duffield, O. K. Richardson, [295] and C. A. Wilson. Only one of these gentlemen (Canon Coombs) lived to see the "History" brought out in 1893, under the editorship of Mr. Edwin Hodder, and published in London by Messrs. Sampson, Low, & Co.

      Canon Coombs, under the impression that I would take the responsibility of publishing the "History" when complete, kindly placed himself in communication with me, both personally and by letter. He furnished me with several useful suggestions, and even prepared a preface and introduction for the work. In a letter dated "Gawler Parsonage, October 7, 1862," he said: "I have jotted down a few thoughts, such as I in part expressed to you. They embody the ideas more fully I had in view when sketching out the published plan of the 'History'; and, as I gathered in our brief conversation, they express your own sentiments and notions as to the mode of the full and final working out of the scheme. If, therefore, you think them worthy to incorporate in your preface, they are at your service. I send you a fragment of a pamphlet that may prove of service. The letter of the Duke of Wellington (p. 4) is interesting; the sketch of Capt. Hindmarsh (pp. 8, 9), and the speech of Mr. Angas on the aborigines (p. 13), may be useful to you, as well as Mr. Morphett's speech (p. 12). Mr. Moorhouse, no doubt, will kindly aid you with information about the aborigines, as well as Dr. Hammond, at Poonindie, and the Manager at Point McLeay. The settlers on the Murray and elsewhere, who are reliable, may give you some good anecdotes. And Mr. Stuart, the explorer, if spared to return among us, can tell you some of those he met with at our extreme northern boundary, on his first great journey to Central Mount Stuart. I have, somewhere, an account of the early German Mission, and the first native vocabulary. This was given me by Col. Gawler, and is in my study, with numerous books and papers: yet I cannot, on the instant, put my hands upon it. However, perhaps you have these already. Wishing you all success." In a postscript the Canon said:--"Governors Gawler, Young, and Macdonnell are among the subscribers to the premium of £200, and I think also Sir George Grey; so that not the mere value of the premium, but the subscribers, would make it an honorable reward." In another letter, dated July 23, 1863, he writes:--"I beg to acknowledge your letter, and I have also to thank you for returning my pamphlet, to which you were very welcome--as well as to any suggestions, or helps, that I may have offered, or may possibly be able yet to offer, to further the work you have in hand. I am happy to learn that the 'History' [296] is drawing onwards to something like a completion. I can well fancy the vast mass of facts that must have crowded around you as you pursued your labors. I hope you will eventually reap your reward, and also that the Colony may possess, through your exertions, a truthful record of its rise and progress."

      The next important advance was an offer by the Hon. G. F. Angas to purchase my manuscript, provided the Gawler Institute would give a release from any further claim upon or in regard to it. I forthwith obtained the necessary compliance, and disposed of the 1,100 or 1,200 folios of foolscap, in small writing, to Mr. Angas; with the understanding that I was to bring the work up to a later date, for which I was to receive an amount beyond what the Gawler Institute had offered. Some might imagine that when these papers became the property of Mr. Angas, that gentleman would have had alterations and additions made to present himself more prominently than I had done in regard to the foundation of the Colony. Such, however, was not the case; and, with the exception of a few necessary corrections and the extension of the work, it remained just as I had written it, till Mr. Hodder, as editor, condensed it and prepared it for publication. When the "History of South Australia" finally appeared in print, I was pleased to see that, with the exception of considerable condensation, and the finishing touches of this able editor, so little alteration had been deemed necessary. Being in possession of the rough copy, I could easily see the extent of the changes made, which were decided improvements. I regretted that many incidents were omitted that would have been interesting to the colonial, if not to the English, reader.

      In February, 1863, having completed the necessary additions to the "History," I accepted the offer of a situation in the Government Printing Office, and felt quite at home there, as I had known Mr. W. C. Cox, the head of the department, for many years. Besides, it was a pleasant change after such close application to collating and writing; and it did not interfere to any great extent with my preaching engagements, which rarely necessitated a journey so far from Adelaide as to prevent me from reaching the office at the proper time. My appointments were usually restricted to Hindmarsh and Mitcham, supplied under the direction of Pastor T. Playford. Hindmarsh could easily be reached by rail, and Mitcham by omnibus; but the return journey from the latter place had to be accomplished on foot. In fine weather this homeward walk of six miles to North Adelaide was an easy one; but when the days were wet and stormy it was [297] rather disagreeable. I remember having to walk the distance one winter's night, in a heavy rain, after conducting service; and being obliged, at Chance's Corner, to wade through the water.

      At Easter-tide of the same year I had an amusing experience. My mother and I went by mail conveyance to Willunga on Friday, and stayed overnight at the Bush Inn, with the intention of going on to Port Elliot by mail-cart in the morning. As I wished to return late on Sunday evening, the hostess, Mrs. Rowlands, kindly agreed to let me in at about 11 o'clock. On Lord's-day morning I gave an address to the brethren at the chapel at Glenford; conducted a Gospel service there in the afternoon and then started, about 4 o'clock, to walk to Willunga, a distance of about twenty miles, nearly half the road being through heavy sand. Some might consider this a long and lonely tramp, but, my thoughts being well occupied, my only trouble was the fear of being unable to reach the Bush Inn at the appointed time. The only house on the road was at the Square Waterhole. Here I stayed a few minutes for rest and refreshment, and then pressed on to Willunga, arriving there at about 11.30. p. m. Having kept my kind hostess so late, I at once retired, with a request to be called in time for the mail-coach leaving at 6 o'clock next morning. I slept soundly, as I suppose the landlady did; and the first sound that greeted my ears was the coach leaving, the yard. As quickly as possible I put on some of my garments, and, with others under my arm, rushed downstairs and outside. Here, saluted by the ostler with, "You won't catch it, sir!" I simply replied, "I am going to try"; and gaining the street I hailed the coach in the distance. The passengers were somewhat surprised to see me in such sorry plight; but having explained the situation to them, I proceeded to finish dressing, to the evident amusement of some. My watch and one or two articles of little value had been left behind, but the former was brought in afterwards by the driver of the coach, and I sustained no serious loss. In later years I traversed on foot the track between Willunga and Port Elliot several times, and at all hours of the day and night.

      My preaching journeys to McLaren Vale and Pedler's Creek were accomplished in a variety of ways during the time I was engaged at the Government Printing Office. The office was closed at 1 o'clock on Saturday, and I was expected to be there by 9 o'clock on Monday morning. I usually left the City by the mail-coach at 2.30 on Saturday afternoon, and arrived at McLaren Vale at about 6 o'clock. Thence I would make my way, along the bed of a creek, up a gully leading to the residence of [298] Mr. Jones; amid the weird woods, in silence broken only by the evening cry of the curlews--mournful and wild, in harmony with everything around. Soon after commencing my mission in this part of the country, Mr. Jones had a new house built, and I got the credit for leading or influencing him to open his heart and his purse for this very necessary erection. On the outward journey there was never any difficulty, but as the mail did not reach Adelaide till long after office hours on Monday, I had to get back to town in the best way I could on Sunday evening. Sometimes Mr. Jones or some other friend would convey me to Morphett Vale, Reynella, or Tapley's Hill; from whence I would walk to town. Occasionally my brother would meet me at the foot of the hills and drive me to town; this was also a very acceptable lift. On one occasion I started to walk from Morphett Vale at a brisk pace, and finding that the distance from one milepost to another was covered in a quarter of an hour, decided to try how long I could maintain this pace; and I succeeded in keeping it up for the fifteen or sixteen miles to Adelaide, thus proving the correctness of the adage, "Where there's a will, there's a way."

      In May, 1864, I took a trip to Middleton, near Port Elliot, under peculiar circumstances. News having reached me that my sister (Mrs. C. A. Basham) was seriously ill, I was requested to go down immediately with Mr. W. Basham, her brother-in-law. We went to the office to get tickets for the mail-coach to Willunga, intending to complete the journey on foot. We were informed that no more tickets could be issued, but, as our case was urgent, a horse-and-cart was provided to convey us to Noarlunga, where we were to leave it and go on by the coach in the places of others who would there get out. At Hackham the road was being repaired, and was so heavy to travel over that our horse, though a good one, could only walk. On reaching the descent into Noarlunga, we saw the coach going out of the township at the other end. Deciding to go on to Willunga with the cart, that place was reached about an hour after the coach had arrived. After partaking of refreshments, we started to walk to Middleton, upwards of twenty miles. It was a dark, wet, cold night, with the wind and rain beating against us. The ascent for a mile and a-half from Willunga was enough to put our courage to the test, but we knew that the rain would greatly improve the walking over the sand. Hour after hour we plodded our weary way, and reached the range above Middleton about 3 o'clock in the morning. Here the journey was most difficult, as it was too dark to see and avoid the stones and stumps. However, we at length [299] reached my sister's home in safety, and found her alive, though in a very low state. My sister regretted, on what she supposed would be her deathbed, that she had not been baptised according to the Scriptures, and decided that if her life were spared she would obey the command of the Lord Jesus. She recovered her health, and, carrying her resolution into effect, was immersed at Lefevre Terrace Baptist Chapel, North Adelaide.

      I continued at the Government Printing Office during 1864, and also kept up preaching work whenever and wherever it was required of me. I accepted the vice-presidency of the Bentham Street Biblical Association, Pastor Playford being president. This well-conducted association developed much latent talent in the youthful members. Through this institution, and being the superintendent of the Sunday-school till preaching engagements prevented me from longer occupying the position, I was closely identified with the people worshipping at Bentham Street. Towards the end of the year I commenced preaching there, and this still further prepared the way for me to render assistance to Pastor Playford when he needed it. The venerable gentleman had labored very arduously for many years, and now, nearing his seventieth year, be was beginning to feel unable to do as much as he desired. A few months prior to these events I had removed to one of two new houses built to my order in Wellington Square. The superintendence of their erection had afforded me change of employment when I had any time to spare--a rare experience for me.

      During 1864 I was brought intimately into contact with the Hon. G. F. Angas by invitations to Prospect Hall, and also by correspondence. In a letter from that gentleman, dated April 8, 1864, he said:--"Your judgment, in most respects, accords with my own, in the light you view the Northern Territory scheme. I am afraid to think that we should be right, for it will be a costly sacrifice to many. I wish they could establish a joint-stock company in London, and one here, of £250,000 each: then it might be hopeful in time." Not only with reference to the Northern Territory, but in many other respects, our views on public matters coincided; and as we generally took the unpopular side of questions that were before the public, we could sympathise with one anther in our unpopularity.

      Early in 1865 my mind was somewhat unsettled as to whether I should remain at the Government Printing Office, as I felt that more of my time should be devoted to Christian work. I laid the matter before the Lord in earnest prayer; and the [300] answer came in a letter from the Hon. G. F. Angas, expressing his willingness to assist me pecuniarily in carrying out any missionary or benevolent schemes that also commended themselves to him. He concluded this letter as follows:--"May the Lord guide you by His counsel, and bless your labors with the power of the Holy Spirit upon you." Mr. Angas soon found me some special work, which I was quite willing to undertake. This work was partly of a missionary character, and partly financial. The Baptists at Port Lincoln were in difficulties; and as Mr. Angas had assisted them in building their chapel and supporting their pastor (Rev. J. P. Buttfield), he was desirous of still further helping them in their time of need. He thought the best way of doing this would be to send me to supply Mr. Buttfield's pulpit for a month, look into the accounts, and report to him on my return. I accordingly took my passage in the steamer Lubra, and, instead of waiting about for days, as was the case on a former attempt to visit this place, I just went down to the Port on the day she was appointed to sail (May 13); and, after a tolerably fair-weather passage, reached Boston Bay early on the morning of the next day.

      I had for years cherished a desire to visit this pretty marine township, and now that I had some special work to do there, my visit was all the more gratifying. In addition to inspecting the accounts and temporarily supplying Mr. Buttfield's place on Lord's-days and week evenings, I determined to call upon the inhabitants of the town, and also to travel to as many of the sheep-stations as were within easy reach. The chapel accounts I found to be in a state of confusion, but it did not require a Philadelphian lawyer to unravel them; and, with the aid of two or three business men, this part of the work was soon done. The services were well attended, and my labors appeared to be appreciated. I decided to visit all the people, irrespective of their religious profession, or whether they professed any at all; and I met with a kind reception--even from the Roman Catholics. One of these would be considered by Romanists as a bad member of their Church, as she not only read the New Testament without permission, but actually attended the services in the Baptist chapel. She was evidently not under priestly influence, and at that time there was no priest located in the town to look after "stray sheep." I had some interesting conversations with this person, and, finding that she was an intelligent reader of the New Testament, I enquired of her as to what led so many Romanists to pray to, and seek the intercession of, Mary, the mother of [301] Jesus, instead of Jesus Christ Himself. She replied that it was only the ignorant who did this; and I then said that, if they were ignorant, they must have been instructed by someone, as they certainly would not act thus intuitively. To this she had not a ready reply; and the conversation taking a different turn, I had to leave the subject. I visited the hut of an Irish Catholic who was of quite a different type to the one just mentioned; and here I found ignorance and superstition in strong force. Every time the name of Jesus was mentioned, instead of bending the knee, I was met with the words (uttered as a kind of incantation), "Blessed Mary! Mother of God!"--and this was all the response I could get. On leaving, we parted in a friendly way--the poor woman actually asking me to take a cup of "tay," which, however, was declined with thanks.

      An opportunity offering for me to go to Warrow, at that time Mr. Price Maurice's head station, about forty miles from Port Lincoln, I availed myself of it. A friend drove me in a spring cart, and on the way we passed the Little Swamp and the Big Swamp, where there was said to be plenty of game; but, as I was not a sportsman, it remained undisturbed. We reached Lake Wangary in the afternoon. Mrs. Haussen, the landlady of the Traveller's Rest, where we were to pass the night, on being informed that one of her guests was a minister, asked me if I would conduct service in the kitchen in the evening. Having signified my willingness to do so, a messenger was sent to the settlers around the lake to notify the fact, and to invite the people to attend. Several responded, and seemed pleased to come, as it was only occasionally that such an opportunity occurred and I was glad to speak to them. The next morning, when my friend settled up, and wanted to know what he was to pay for our accommodation, the landlady told him that there was nothing to pay for the minister, as she never made any charge for them. This was the kind of travellers' rest that would be appreciated by most preachers, but especially by those who find travelling expenses at times a heavy drain upon their small pecuniary resources.

      The next day we reached Warrow, a beautiful oasis when compared with the poor sheaoak country we had travelled through. A clump of fine gum-trees, and patches. of green grass, indicated this to be indeed a well-favored and well-chosen spot. The substantial buildings, too, showed that the station was one of importance, and I found that a large number of persons were employed. Mr. Cotton, who was in charge, having his wife and [302] family there, had made the pace all that could be expected for a home in the bush. Arrangements having been made for service the evening, invitation were given to the shepherds, hut-keepers, and others on the station to attend. This was heartily accepted, and as the time drew near there was a large gathering of men, women, and children. The meeting was held in the spacious schoolroom used by Miss Cotton for a day-school; and this lady presided at the organ. The people joined heartily in the singing, and after the service several remained behind for conversation. The next day we started on our return journey, calling at two or three place by the roadside.

      Another country trip was to Mr. J. Anderson's station at White's River, where arrangements were made to have a service in the drawing-room of his house. Mr. Anderson was a fellow passenger by the Asia, from England; and as we had not seen each other for many years, we had much to talk about when we had an opportunity. Notice of the meeting was sent to those on and about the station, and I undertook to go out in the afternoon to one or two families residing in the back country, two or three miles from the station. There was no well-marked track, but I succeeded, with the directions given me, in finding the place without difficulty. On my return I took a wrong turn, and after walking some distance I failed to find any of the landmarks that I had noticed on my way out. In this dilemma I decided to ascend a range of hills near at hand so that I might see how the country lay. Here, to my surprise, I discovered that I was going in an opposite direction to the one leading to the station. The view obtained of the Gulf and the surrounding country was very picturesque, but I remembered that my congregation would be waiting for me if I tarried to enjoy it, consequently I set off to walk, and even to run, so that I might be back in time. I felt a bit ashamed of my misadventure, as it would show what a very bad bushman I was; but I was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, which I preached to as many people as the room would accommodate. Mrs. Anderson kindly presided at the piano, and we had a good time, my fellow-passenger being rather surprised to find that the boy whom he knew on board the Asia twenty-five years previously had developed into a preacher. I would have liked, to tarry a little longer with my former shipmate, but my engagements at Port Lincoln necessitated a return the next day.

      A third country trip was to Dr. Browne's station at Koppio, about twenty-five miles from Port Lincoln. This journey was accomplished on horseback--a mode of travelling to which I was [303] not accustomed. A son of Mr. Buttfield accompanied me, and I must have tried his patience by my bad horsemanship. At Koppio I made the acquaintance of Mr. Telfer, the manager, a worthy Christian; and arrangements were made for a service on the following evening. My guide returned to Port Lincoln, after giving me directions for finding my way back by a different route, which be thought I would easily find. The service was well attended; and in the conferences I was privileged to enjoy with Mr. Telfer, I discovered that we were of one mind on the subjects touched upon, which made my visit a pleasant and profitable one. I had been told to follow the course of the creek, on my return, till coming on some dray-tracks on a hill not far distant. I kept closely to my instructions till the creek joined another, and then I was somewhat perplexed as to the course to take. The coastal range being close at hand, I decided to ascend in order to obtain a good look at the trend of the country, as I had done on a previous occasion. On reaching the summit a most extensive and beautiful scene was presented to my delighted vision. First I saw the identical dray-tracks I had been seeking. At the foot of the range was the Poonindie Mission-station, with its group of buildings; then the River Tod, with its wide but shallow bed; the Gulf, stretching out as far as the eye could reach, with the steamer Lubra on its way to Port Augusta; and, lastly, the rays of the setting sun giving to the whole an air of tranquility and repose. The contrast between the limited field of vision in the valley and the extensive range from the hilltop was very great. It is just so in life. While in the valley of unbelief and despondency the outlook is narrowed and cramped; but mount up, and from the altitude of faith and hope the prospect opens bright and beautiful. Being announced to conduct service at 7 o'clock at North Shields, I had no time to stay at this interesting spot, and hastened on. By the time I reached the foot of the hills it was getting dusk, and as there were several tracks it was difficult to determine which one to take. After a little delay I arrived at the place half-an-hour after the appointed time, and found a number of people waiting. The friend at whose house I was to stay had kept the table spread, and wanted me to go and partake of refreshments before the service; but as I had been delayed I felt that the people should not be expected to wait any longer. Feeling both tired and faint after concluding the service, I supped and retired early to bed, pleased that I had been brought thus far in safety, and had been enabled to speak the words of everlasting life. Next morning my kind host interrogated me on [304] matters of doctrine and religion. I therefore began to expound to him the Scriptures. After a short time he cried out, "Stop! stop! you are going on too fast; don't you know that if you attempt to fill with water a narrow-necked bottle too quickly, a lot of it will run over?" He likened himself to the narrow-necked bottle, and requested me to administer the water of life in measure suited to his receptive capacity, and gave earnest heed to all I said. This brings to mind another incident. A lady at Port Lincoln requested me to give a lecture or address on "The Second Coming of Christ." This I consented to do, informing her at the same time that I felt sure that the people were only prepared to receive the elementary truths taught in the Scriptures on that subject.

      The road from North Shields to Port Lincoln was very pretty, almost fascinating, being sufficiently above the sea to afford a good view of Boston Bay and its surroundings. In some places the tiny wavelets were rippling over a pebbly beach; and in other parts they fell on the shore with a low murmur. Happy Valley is near the township, but is little more than a gully with a diminutive stream running through it. This gully has a rocky entrance near the sea, and on the shore is a perennial spring of clear, cool, fresh water. When the tide comes in, all that can be seen to indicate the locality of the spring is a bubbling on the surface; but otherwise a quantity of water is discharged into the bay. It was this remarkable spring which led some of the early settlers to think so highly of this place as a site for a town, coupled with the advantages of such a fine, land-locked harbor. In those days vessels calling here replenished their tanks from this spring; but, of course, a much larger quantity than it could afford would be needed for even a small village. There was another spring in the township, but the flow was only trifling; and at the time of my visit the inhabitants were mostly supplied with rain-water.

      Whilst at Port Lincoln I visited an eccentric person living there, who afforded those acquainted with his peculiarities some amusement. He was the brother of a London merchant, and had been well educated; but became partially demented. He was quiet and retiring in his habits, and lived by himself in a house of two or three rooms. He spent most of his time in roaming about the country in search of mineral and botanical specimens, of which he showed me a large variety. I soon discovered that he was not quite alone, as his residence swarmed with insects especially of a kind which generally causes much irritation. [305] Perceiving, no doubt, that I had made this discovery, he gave me a novel explanation of the phenomena: this was to the effect that those persons who did not like him manifested their dislike by blowing these insects in through the key-hole! However this might be, I was glad to make my escape, and did not repeat my visit. I saw this individual one day trucking a heavy case along the jetty, intending it to be taken off by the steamer. Its precious contents were destined for the Commissioner of Crown Lands, in Adelaide. I was informed that he had trucked several cases to the jetty, and that the said cases, after being taken out towards the steamer, were thrown into the sea. The sender supposed that they would reach their destination in due course; but as he had never received an acknowledgment from the Commissioner, he considered that he had been treated very badly, and that all his labor had been in vain. Poor fellow! he was not the only one in the world whose labor had been ill-requited in many cases when it was deserving of grateful acknowledgment.

      Having completed my work at Port Lincoln, I left it with some regret, not only on account of the beauty of the marine scenery, but because I had to part with many whose friendship I had formed, and whose kindness I had experienced, during my short stay. As many of my readers have not seen, and may never see, this interesting place, I shall give a brief description of it. Boston Bay has two entrances--one for vessels of heavy draught and another for vessels of light draught--but neither entrance can be seen till close to it. Boston Island, opposite to the township, forms a complete natural breakwater for the harbor, which is said to be capacious enough to hold not only the British fleet, but one or two more fleets also. There is a good jetty, and the township is built on ground gradually rising from the beach to a moderate elevation. The lower part of the land consists of a limestone crust on the surface and a marly clay underlying it. From the sound made by horses and vehicles along the streets, a sound which can be heard all over the town, one might suppose that there was a space below the surface, or that an excavation had been made. About a mile out of the township seaward there is a place containing a few houses which is called the Proper. I was informed that this locality derived its name from the fact that in the early days some of the settlers considered that this was, according to their judgment, the proper place to locate the town. Acting in accordance with their conviction, they purchased land and built there, but the greater number preferring the present locality, the one lot had to be satisfied with the name, "Proper," [306] and the other had the reality. By adopting this name it remained as a standing protest against the decision of the majority. According to my judgment I would say that the present site is the proper place, for reasons which it is not necessary for me to enumerate. Near to the Proper was a sheep-station, but as the ground was nearly covered with flat stones of limestone formation, I could not understand how the sheep could get sufficient food to keep them alive, much less to fatten them. The country for miles out from Port Lincoln is poor, with the exception of a narrow strip at the foot of the range on the way to Poonindie, White's River, and Tumby Bay. Beyond this the two or three inches of marl which adhered to the roots of trees that the wind had blown down clearly indicated that there was no depth of soil, and it created surprise in my mind to account for such trees having attained to the growth they had under such circumstances. If the soil around Port Lincoln had been anything like that on the plains of Adelaide, possessing such a magnificent harbor, between 200 and 300 miles nearer to the course of vessels to and from the West, it would have stood a better chance of being the capital of the Colony than Adelaide.

      My mission to Port Lincoln was satisfactory to Mr. Angas, and I was glad to have had the opportunity of seeing the place and people, and of scattering some of the good seed of the Kingdom. Shortly after my return to Adelaide I paid a visit to my friends in the McLaren Vale district, and worked some time as a missionary, with apparently satisfactory results. Towards the end of August I further reported to Mr. Angas on what I had done; and in a letter, dated "Lindsay Park, August 30, 1865," he said:--"I am greatly obliged by your kind note of 28th inst., which quite meets my approval. Indeed, there has usually been an accord between us on most subjects which relate to the welfare of Christ's Kingdom and the advancement of society in knowledge and religion, that I am persuaded we shall work cordially together under God's blessing." In another letter to me about this time Mr. Angas wrote:--"Mr. Lawson's term of service with me is up on October 3 next, when he will remove from the house of mine next to Prospect Hall. He has made an arrangement with one of the newspapers, and must live near the City. Are you disposed to give me your whole time for a year or two longer, and occupy Prospect Villa free of rent? . . . You would have to assist me, when needed, in reading Parliamentary papers and other readings, as my eyes are becoming weak. You know my habits of life, by which I seek to benefit Christianity [307] and the world as my strength and time will admit; in which, I doubt not, you will sympathise and aid me. I should have liked to have kept Mr. Lawson, but his bias is in favor of the press. He will finish my 'History of the Newcastle Sunday-school Union for Fifty Years' before he goes; and several other papers, for which I have the materials, will require my future attention with you, if you will make an arrangement with me." In my reply I stated my willingness to accept the offer, and to enter upon my duties on the retirement of Mr. Lawson. My predecessor was a man of great literary ability, and, when his engagement with the Register terminated, he went to England and acted as European correspondent for that paper. I felt that the opening occasioned by the retirement of Mr. Lawson was an answer to my prayer for Divine guidance. [308]

[CLACE 293-308]