THE INTERIOR OF AUSTRALIA, 361

of provisions was reduced to flour; but it was a sign that they were
gettimg near the end of their wearisome journey.

“Qne Sunday they looked up and saw a long, fine wire, stretching
away on poles. It was the telegraph! They swung their hats in the
air,and gave cheer after cheer! They followed the wire, and reached
a telegraph station, where they dined on roast beef and plum-pudding!
Forrest thinks he traversed an immense tract that never will be settled.
There are grassy patches, but too isolated for use. It is a wonder to
him that he got through at all, as a drought was drying up the country.
We comment by saying, We are not so sure about the correctness of
Forrest’s opinion concerning inner Australia. The gold veins of Australia
may ran up into the ‘lone land,’ and, if that be so, miners will hunt
thew out, and towns will be gathered there. We can but hope.”