May 25, 1857.] NORTH AMERICA— PALLISER'S EXPEDITION. 461 



Missouri and Saskatchewan ; also tlie course of the south branch of 

 the Saskatchewan and its tributaries, 



2nd. To explore the Eocky Mountains, for the purpose of ascer- 

 taining the most southerly pass across to the Pacific, within the 

 British territory. 



3rd. To report on the natural features and general capabilities of 

 the country, and to construct a map of the routes. 



Mr. Palliser's experience, his success in conciliating the good will 

 and respect of the Indians, and his anxiety to make his journey con- 

 ducive to the increase of scientific knowledge, pointed him out as 

 well fitted to be the leader ; but it was evident that without the aid 

 of fellow travellers trained to accurate research and accustomed to 

 the use of scientific instruments, no very accurate results could be 

 expected from the expedition. 



After considerable discussion, the Lords of the Treasury con- 

 sented, on the recommendation of the. Secretary for the Colonies, to 

 submit to Parliament a vote of oOOOZ. for this purpose, on the under- 

 standing that all the collections and results of the expedition should 

 be placed at the disposal of Government. 



Three scientific gentlemen have been since appointed to the 

 expedition —Lieutenant Blakiston, of the Eoyal Artillery, on the 

 recommendation of the President of the Eoyal Society, to conduct 

 the astronomical and physical observations ; Mr. Bourgeau, an 

 experienced and successful botanical collector, selected by Sir 

 William Hooker, the Director of the Eoyal Garden at Kew; and 

 Dr. Hector, a medical gentleman recommended by myself on the 

 score of his geological and zoological acquirements, as well as for 

 his general fitness to contribute to the objects of the expedition.* 

 Mr. Palliser is, moreover, himself conversant with the use of the 

 instruments which have been supplied by Government, and has 

 the advantage of an experienced assistant as his Secretary ; so that 

 the important object of determining the geographical position of the 

 points visited by the expedition has been amply secured. 



The instructions given to Mr. Palliser by H.M. Secretary of State 

 direct, that the journals of the expedition, together with the records 

 of the observations, shall be made out in duplicate, and that one 

 copy shall be transmitted to England, from time to time, as oppor- 



* General Sabine has instructed Lieutenant Blakiston in making magnetical 

 observations, a Committee of the Royal Society furnished the necessary instruc- 

 tions in physical science, and the geological suggestions were supplied by 

 myself.— R. I. M. 



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