 Much of this was land with a very low rainfall, and Elder spent a great deal of money sinking artesian wells, making dams and fencing.In January 1866 he imported 120 camels from India with "Afghan" attendants, which were of much use in the dry areas and in conveying supplies from Port Augusta.In 1868 he chartered Henry Simpson's "Kohinoor" to return the "Afghans" and bring out another 60 camels and a fresh contingent of attendants.