WILLIAM J. WILLS.

. . .

As I shall have occasion to allude to this letter in a
subsequent portion of my narrative, I wish the latter part of it,
with regard to eating, may be borne in mind.

CHAPTER 4.

My Son is appointed to the Magnetic Observatory at Melbourne, under
Professor Neumayer. His Rapid Advance in the Study of Magnetism and
Mineralogy. Letters to his Relatives at Home, descriptive of his
Pursuits, Wishes, and Sentiments. First suggestions of his Probable
Employment on the Exploring Expedition.

IN November, 1858, my son received an appointment in the Magnetic
Observatory at Melbourne, then recently established under Professor
Neumayer, on the recommendation of Mr. Ligar, the Surveyor-General.
This gentleman had his eye on him, as he told me himself, to
succeed the professor, in the event of his returning to his native
country, Germany; and also with the view of his being employed, on
attaining a thorough knowledge of magnetic science, in the geodetic
survey of the colony. Such was the progress he made, that Mr.
Ellery, superintendent of the astronomical observatory at
Williamstown, tried to dissuade him from engaging in the
exploratory expedition, when formed. But notwithstanding the
prospect of double pay and less danger, he yielded to his
long-cherished desire of being one of the first to reach the Gulf