An important account of exploration in the remote north-west of Australia, including the discovery of the Ord River in the Kimberley region. This was the only major publication relating to Alexander Forrest's crucial expedition in the north-west: a rarity, it 'would grace any collection' (Wantrup).

An important account of exploration in the remote north-west of Australia, including the discovery of the Ord River in the Kimberley region. This was the only major publication relating to Alexander Forrest's crucial expedition in the north-west: a rarity, it 'would grace any collection' (Wantrup).

Alexander Forrest (1849-1901) was a younger brother of the explorer and surveyor John Forrest and served on several of his expeditions. This book recounts his most important exploratory work and is remarkable for its eight fine lithographed plates and splendid folding map. Departing February 1879, the expedition followed the Fitzroy River almost 400 kilometres until progress was halted by the rugged King Leopold Range. Circumventing this obstacle revealed good new country named the Nicholson Plains and led the men to the Ord River, now of course a major irrigation project. After much further travelling, during which time rations and water were frequently short, the party arrived at Darwin in October of 1879.

Forrest's account appeared in an 'uncharacteristically elaborate form', with a suite of eight fine plates unusual for a government publication: 'Indeed, it has every appearance of being published as much for public sale as for use by members of Parliament. Because of the less austere style of publication and the importance of the expedition itself, this volume is quite sought after by collectors...'. This is a very good copy of this rare account of an important expedition, preserved as issued in original boards.