The journeys of Mr.
Eyre had, however, proved the impracticability of a direct northerly course from Mount Arden.

Such a course would have led me into the horseshoe of Lake Torrens; and although I might have passed to the westward of it, I could hope for no advantage in a country such as that which lies to the north of the Gawler Range.

On the other hand, the Surveyor-General of South Australia had attempted a descent into the interior from the eastward, and had encountered great difficulties from the want of water.

Local inquiry and experience both went to prove the little likelihood of that indispensable element being found to the north of Spencer's Gulf.

It appeared to me also that Sir John Barrow had mistaken the point on the Darling to which I proposed going.