The question of the investigation and possible utilisation of the ground water flowing from the Fountain Springs situated alongside the main western highway, 17 miles from Port Lincoln (Hundred Wanilla) had been discussed unofficially by the writer with a former Western District Engineer (Mr Frank B. Ide) when passing the locality. Apart from collecting a sample of the water for a detailed chemical analysis, however, no further action was taken. Subsequently the matter was again reviewed in a discussion with the succeeding District Engineer (Mr J.R. Dridan). The outcome of this discussion was a request from Mr Dridan to the Director of Mines to have six samples of water chemically analysed. These samples of water had been collected during the latter part of July 1935 from wells and springs adjacent to the Fountain Springs. The analytical information was desired in connection with a report dealing with the possible utilisation of the ground water flowing from the Fountain Spring then in course of preparation by Mr Dridan. Later an official request was made for a detailed geological investigation of the region. The first visit to the locality was made from the 18 to 21 November 1935, when the writer was accompanied by Mr Dridan, and a former Engineering Assistant (Mr W.R. Ashton). A preliminary report dealing with the first inspection of the Fountain Springs was prepared by the writer on 3 December 1935. Subsequent progress reports were submitted on the following dates:- 24th August 1937, 18th August 1939, 21 August 1939 and 24th February 1940. During the early stages of the investigations, field work was centred round the country to the north of the main western highway, and in the vicinity of the Fountain Springs (Railway Reserve, Hundred Wanilla). All known local wells and springs were accurately located; observations of the ground water table were recorded at regular intervals; samples of the ground water chemically analysed, and a series of shallow trial pits sunk at selected localities. The results of these early investigations extending over several years, failed, however, to apply a satisfactory explanation for the large quantity, and remarkably constant salinity and high quality of the water flowing at the Fountain Springs. During a visit to the region early in 1939, the writer suggested to the present District Engineer (Mr A.H. Campbell) that the source of the constant flow of the water at the springs must be from an extensive aquifer with a large storage and that the only surface feature noted in the region which may have a bearing on the problem was the Big Swamp. It was also suggested that the springs adjacent to the Fountain were probably connected to the lowest (or south western extremity) of the Big Swamp, by an underground drainage system - The Big Swamp acting as a collecting and temporary storage basin for much of the ground water emerging at the springs. The constancy of the flow of water recorded at the V-nortch gauge at the principal (Fountain) spring being due to the "time lag" of the ground water passing through the aquifer between the swamp and the springs. Following upon the above discussion, a new line of investigation was begun, and a critical geological and hydrological survey made of all known wells and water holes situated to the south of the Fountain Springs, and extending throughout the Hundred of Uley to the southern coast. The survey included the country in the vicinity of the Big Swamp. Recommendations and suggestions covering these new investigations are contained in a progress report prepared by the writer and dated 21 August 1939. Rapid progress with the investigations was made subsequent to carrying out the new line of enquiry, and in a report dated 24th February 1940, the writer sought approval to extend the field examinations and include the Little Swamp Area (Hundred Lincoln) situated between the Big Swamp and Port Lincoln to ascertain whether any of the ground water was escaping from the southern margin of the Big Swamp into the Little Swamp area. The detailed investigations of the Little Swamp region have not been concluded. Sufficient evidence has been collected, however, to show that there is no escape of any of the ground water from Big Swamp into the Little Swamp area - the latter consisting of an entirely separate basin, with its own surface catchment and intake. The regions geologically and hydrologically examined, therefore, included the whole of the hundred of Uley and the major portion of the hundreds of Wanilla and Lincoln, comprising a total area of over 200 square miles. The results achieved from the critical examination of such a large and very difficult tract of country are considered to be highly satisfactory, and fully justify the labour and cost incurred.