What general thoroughfares appear to be available in continuity along the interior side of the mountains?

From Wagga Wagga on the Murrumbidgee to Bennilong, and across the Lachlan and the heads of the Bogan to the River Macquarie, towards the confluence of that river, the Castlereagh, and the Darling, near Wyabrycrossing that river at Wyabry to the Narran, and along the bank of that river and the Balonne into the northern route up the Maranoa.

Whence proceeds the Northern route?

From Liverpool Plains and along the Nammoi, to cross the plains westward of Hardwick's Range, to the Gwyder and the Mooni, to St. George's Bridge on the Balonne.

Is there a bridge at that point?

No, only a portion of rock favourable for the passage of the great river Balonne there.

Is that in a good direction for the continuation of the interior route northward?

Yes.

How would it be connected with the good country of New England?

By the banks of the river Gwyder.

How with Darling Downs?

By the valley of the river Condamine, (or Balonne). Why are these lines preferable to others?

Because they follow the courses of rivers and are therefore supplied with water.

Are such lines to be considered bush roads?

Yes, and good, because carried over the open interior country.

What roads are in use nearer the coast?

From Tamworth, there is a road through the district called New England, to Drayton, and across the Coast Range into the valley of the Brisbane by a pass near Mount Cordeaux.

What facilities are afforded by the level interior country for railroads?

When a railway can be completed to Goulburn, the thirty-fifth parallel of latitude marks very nearly the line for its extension to Adelaide across a territory almost level.

What are the chief impediments to such a line?

Two deep rivers, the Murrumbidgee and the Murray, whose waters would be nevertheless indispensible for the supply of the engines.

Is that line not across extensive dry plains of poor soil?

Yes, but it would connect with Sydney and Adelaide the rich alluvial lands on the two rivers, which lands are by far the best spots in all Australia for cultivation. Why?

Because the soil is deep and rich-the water inexhaustible.

Is not the river Murray also in the way?

It is, and very broad there; also probably, salt. Are there not also swampy flats and plains subject to inundation?

There may be such obstructions.

Is this not a visionary plan?

It is not visionary to deal with the elements as we find them in Australia.

What determines the importance of the lands on the Murray?

The concentration of many waters.

What are the chief centres of population? The cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. What would be the effect of that Western Railway? To connect the centres of population with the main concentration of the waters.

How would this connect Port Phillip?

By a branch line to Deniliquin.

In what direction is the Northern level interior route continued from St. George's Bridge?

Up the valley of the Maranda.

In what direction was that route intended to lead? To the Gulf of Carpentaria.

CHAPTER V.

OF THE INDIAN ARCHIPELAGO.

What is the distance across Torres Straits, from Cape York to New Guinea?

About eighty miles.

What is the extent of New Guinea?

From 1200 to 1400 miles in length, and varying from 150 to 200 miles in breadth.

What is the name of that part where the Dutch attempted to trade?

Lakahia, a small island off the peninsular part of New Guinea.

Did they find the natives very barbarous ?

Yes.

What are the supposed causes of their barbarous disposition towards strangers?

The faithless and arbitrary conduct of the Ceramese, who to retain their exclusive trade with the coast, inspire them with hatred and aversion to all foreigners but themselves.

What are the chief productions sought by traders? Massoy bark, nutmegs, trepang, tortoise-shell, pearls, edible birds' nests, birds of paradise, and other articles of value.

What articles are given in exchange?

Coarse white calico, arrack, tobacco, iron-ware, &c.; hanks of cotton twist for the manufacture of thread, and dyed of a red colour, are taken in lieu of small money. Where is the iron manufactured?

In the Ceram and Goram Islands; the swords made there being of excellent temper, and much in demand throughout the Archipelago of the Moluccas.

What is the character of the Ceramese?

Superior skill in the manufacture and use of arms. What is their religion?

Mahommedan.

On what people do they chiefly make war?

On the Papuans or natives of New Guinea whom they carry off as slaves.

What is their principal branch of trade?

That with Bali, an island adjoining the east end of Java.

What are the most important articles exported? Slaves, nutmegs, trepang, tortoise-shell, and edible birds' nests.

What do they take in exchange?

Powder and shot, muskets, small cannon, calicoes, china ware, iron work, &c.

Where do they obtain their vessels ?

They obtain their smaller prahus from the Ki Islands and the larger ones from Bali.

Of what people do their crews chiefly consist? Of Papuan slaves.

When a stoppage is put to their commerce what is done with these vessels?

They resort to piracy, and are dreaded by the inhabitants of the smaller islands.

Are the Ki Islands thickly peopled?

Not so much so as other islands around..

Are they mountainous ?

Yes.

What are the names of the principal islands of that Group?

Great Ki, Little Ki, and Ki Watela.

What is the chief resort of the traders?