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The handbook of instructions for the guidance of officers of the Elder Scientific Exploration Expedition continues with instructions for the second officer, FW Leech and the surveyor, LA (Larry) Wells. The surveyor was expected to prepare the travelling map and calculate the expedition's position and record this in his field book, sketch the hills and determine their height above sea level and record the accurate location of all camp sites. He would also assume responsibility for the expedition in the event of anything happening to the Leader or second in command.

The Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition was financed by Sir Thomas Elder and managed by the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South Australian Branch). It was to explore western South Australia and into Western Australia in the search for pastoral lands and mineral resources. These were essentially the last unexplored parts of the continent. Each member of the expedition was given a handbook of instructions with directions for every particular of his duties. The handbook was compiled by the Society's Council which included G W Goyder the Surveyor General and Sir Charles Todd who had supervised the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line. Other members of Council were also experienced in the bush and in exploration. They also drew upon the publications of the Royal Geographical Society (London) who had been guiding and advising explorers since 1831. The handbook would provide advice for almost all contingencies, except the personal conflicts that affected the expedition.

Elder, Thomas, Sir, 1818-1897

Lindsay, David, 1856-1922

Wells, L. A. (Lawrence Allen), 1860-1938

Leech, Frederick William

The Elder Scientific Exploration Expedition, 1891-2: confidential report North Adelaide: Corkwood Press, 2003

Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition, (1891-1892) Journal of the Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition, 1891-2 North Adelaide: Corkwood Press, 1999

Champion, George Australia's forgotten explorer: David Lindsay, F.R.G.S. Killarney Heights, N.S.W.: G. and S. Champion, c1993

Steele, Wilfred, To the great gulf: the surveys and explorations of L.A. Wells, last Australian explorer 1860-1938 Blackwood, S.A.: Lynton, [1978]

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing. Taking it to the edge August 2004-