Scarr then made further north, and, with the assistance of the creek discovered by Buchanan, was enabled to reach the line.

Owing to the severity of the drought, however, he was unable to extend his researches any further, and returned safely to Queensland.
[Illustration.

Ernest Favenc.] In 1878, a project for a railway line on the land-grant principle between Brisbane and Port Darwin was originated in the former city.

The proprietor of the leading Brisbane newspaper, Gresley Lukin, organized and equipped a party to explore a suitable line of country, the object being to ascertain the nature and value of the land in the neighbourhood of the proposed line, and the geographical features of the unexplored portion.

The leader was Ernest Favenc, who was accompanied by surveyor Briggs, G.Hedley, and a black boy.