happen to have a taste for it: this is Euclid. Not to learn by
heart, but to read so as to understand it. Mathematics generally,
and Euclid, and Algebra in particular, are the best studies young
people can undertake, for they are the only things we can depend on
as true, (of course I leave the Bible out of the question).
Christian and Heathen, Mahometan and Mormon, no matter what their
religious faith may be, agree in mathematics, if in nothing else.
But I must now tell you something of your undutiful son. I am
learning surveying under Mr. F. Byerly, a very superior man indeed.
In fact I could not have had a better master had he been made to
order, for he is a first-rate surveyor, and we are exactly suited
to each other in our general ideas; and this, to tell the truth, is
a rare chance for me.

I am getting 150 pounds per annum, and rations, but I hope in
twelve months to have a party of my own. It is just the sort of
life for me, nearly always in the bush marking out land for sale,
or laying down unknown parts. It is quite a different thing from
surveying in England. Glendaruel is fifteen miles from Ballaarat. I
saw the Doctor and Tom a few days since. They were quite well; I
hope you are so also. Love to all.

Your affectionate son,

W.J. WILLS.

. . .

He was appointed to the charge of a field party before the time
he expected. I was anxious to give him a set of surveying