292 SIR RODERICK I. MURGHISON'S ADDRESS— ASIA. [May 23, 1859. 



received from M. Otto Struve, of the Imperial Observatory of Pul- 

 kowa, that by his deductions, calculated in 1851, from M. Lenne's 

 geodetic observations, made in 1838 (see 'Memoirs of the Imp. 

 Acad, of Science,' 1851), Demavend had the height of 20,085 

 French feet assigned to it. This independent testimony is of 

 great value ; the approach to agreement being the more remarkable, 

 considering the comparatively feeble instruments employed both by 

 the Kussian and English parties. 



Hence is it certain that Demavend is much loftier than the Ararat 

 of geographers, which lies at the south end of the Caucasus, and 

 has an altitude of 17,112 feet only. But if that name is to be 

 applied to the highest summit in Western Asia, we are assured 

 by Sir Henry Rawlinson that Mount Jiidi, overhanging the plain 

 of Assyria, is much higher than Demavend, and is actually con- 

 sidered by the inhabitants to be the mountain on which the Ark of 

 Noah rested. As our eminent medallist Sir Henry is about to 

 proceed to Persia, there to represent our Sovereign, we may feel 

 assured that, with his love of research, he will not quit his post 

 until he has taken steps to clear up these points, and also to make 

 us better acquainted with the geography of the interior of Persia, 

 particularly that portion of the kingdom which lies adjacent to the 

 Caspian Sea. 



In the observations I offer on the progress of geography among 

 the Eussians, the reader will find that the recent expedition of 

 M. Khanikoff has produced a greater rectification in the positions 

 of some important places. 



China, Japan, and New Guinea. — The additions to our acquaint- 

 ance with the coasts, ports, and interior of the vast Empire of 

 China, which have been made during the last year, are very con- 

 siderable. By the judicious and decisive measures of Her Majesty's 

 Ambassador, the Earl of Elgin, and the skill and energy of our 

 naval armaments, commanded by that excellent officer Admiral Sir 

 Michael Seymour, combined with those of our allies, the river 

 Peiho has been ascended, the great port of the capital occupied, and 

 a treaty prescribed to the Imperial Court — the first example of 

 equal diplomatic relations between China, Japan, and the com- 

 mercial nations of Europe and America. 



Our zealous and enlightened associate. Captain Sherard Osbom, 

 commanding the Furious steam-frigate (in which Lord Elgin sailed), 

 has furnished us with vivid descriptions of the nature of the coast. 



