Eyre, however, after his late experience, was convinced that the overlanding of stock around the head of the Great Bight was impracticable.

The country was too sterile, and the absence of water-courses rendered the idea hopeless.

For immediate practical results, beneficial to the growing pastoral industry, Eyre favoured the extension of discovery to the north.

This then was the course adopted, and subscriptions were raised towards that end.

Eyre himself provided one-third of the needful horses and other expenses; and the Government and colonists found the remainder.
Meantime it was found that the country in the immediate neighbourhood of Port Lincoln was not altogether of the same wretched nature as that traversed by Eyre between Streaky Bay and the head of Spencer's Gulf.
Captain Hawson, William Smith, and three others had made an excursion for some considerable distance, and found well-grassed country and abundance of water.