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The leader of the Elder Scientific Exploration Expedition is instructed in the blazing of trees for marking camp sites, preparation of maps, and the naming of features in the landscape. The use of Aboriginal names, where these can be determined is advocated. Tree blazes were an important aspect of Australian exploration, enabling people interested in re-enacting past expeditions to correctly locate old camps. A number of trees blazed on this expedition had been previously blazed by earlier expeditions, including William Christie Gosse and William Whitfield Mills.

The Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition was financed by Sir Thomas Elder and managed by the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South Australian Branch). Its purpose was to explore western South Australia and into Western Australia 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 GW 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. The Council also drew upon the publications of the Royal Geographical Society (London) which 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.

Lindsay, David, 1856-1922

Elder, Thomas, Sir, 1818-1897

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

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

Peake-Jones, Kenneth The branch without a tree: the centenary history of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South Australian Branch) Incorporated, 1885 to 1985 Adelaide: Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, South Australian Branch, 1985

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