The information that little more than one-half the area of the artesian basin in Queensland has yet been explored is in some respects disappointing, but it is reassuring in others. For if the unexplored country yields as much water per square mile of surface as is now pouring forth from the wells on the tested area--which is not yet fully developed--the total daily yield will ultimately approach 1,000 millions of gallons. Never, according to official information, was bore-sinking more active than it is during the current year, and the thoughtful reader will sympathise with Mr. Henderson's repeated expression of regret that want of money some years ago compelled the department to discontinue both exploration on scientific lines and the periodical measurement of all artesian flows. For with careful surveys of the entire water-bearing area much capital might be saved by teaching where copious springs might or might not be expected to be met with; while with measurement and registration of all flows the question as to the perpetuity or the contrary of the supply would be placed beyond controversy. In that case legislation could be initiated with confidence, and the public interest safeguarded with the least possible disturbance of private interests. An important consideration in connection with the artesian area is that the land watered by bores is as a rule more than commonly fertile. Its pastures produce some of the most nutritious natural grasses and herbage found on the face of the earth; and, what is of immense significance, they are grasses and herbage that either would not live or would deteriorate under a tropical sun, with a rainfall equal to the coastal average. Thus it may be argued that artesian bore water--at any rate, when so free from mineral impregnation as to be unquestionably potable--is more valuable, gallon for gallon, than the supply direct from the clouds. In several of his numerous reports the Hydraulic Engineer makes reference to the subject of irrigation by means of artesian water. It is certain that the water from some bores, while useful for live stock, is not fit for either domestic use or for irrigation. The Hydraulic Department many years ago began what was intended to be a systematic analysis of bore water with the view to providing an official record that would be highly useful for public purposes. But in one case at least water pronounced by the Government Analyst as useless even for stock was highly esteemed on the run whence it was obtained; and evidently much has yet to be learned as to the value of subterranean waters not regarded as potable by scientific standards.