Darling Depot Jan 22. 1861.

The Hon Secretary, Royal Society, Melbourne, Victoria.
Dr J. Macadam M.L.A. Sir,

I send you a copy of my journal together with seven sketches representing: two kinds of lizards, one pigeon, one moth, three natives, watermarks of the Darling and a sketch of the route of Lyons & McPherson. I also enclose meteorological observations I made from Nov 6 1860 till Jan 13. 1861.

The specimens I collected will be forwarded to Melb. by the first opportunity. The particulars of Lyons & McPhersons trip you will learn from Dr Becklers report. I only furnish you with the route. I believe Lake Bulla to be the Cooper, and as Mr Burke did not stop there or left words or signs on that place to guide men following him; I believe he went right on and did not much trouble himself with forming a depot on that river.

We shall leave in a few days our camp for the Cooper, taking with us as much provisions as the animals can carry. I think we will form there a depot, which likely must be fortified-awaiting further orders. I hope to be able to explore part of the country around that Portion of the Cooper, and I hope also we shall succeed in keeping communication with Minindie during the wet & cool season.

I am extremely sorry not having received even a single line from you, especially, in regard to the few things so much wanted by an observer in nat. history. I never received the two small books having reference to Goulds work on birds. I fear I shall leave for the Interior with only an outfit consisting of a few colors & sketch-books, and two small geological hammers.

I have the honor to remain most respectfully,

Yours obediently,
Ludwig Becker.