66 Transactions . — Miscellaneous . 



water organisms of the northern continents prevail. This is a 

 subject of great interest to all biologists, and can best be 

 studied by a more efficient exploration of these southern 

 latitudes." 



The objects for which a renewed effort to explore the 

 unknown regions in the vicinity of the southern pole should 

 now be undertaken were summarised by Dr. John Murray 

 as follows : — 



" To determine the nature and extent of the Antarctic 

 Continent ; to penetrate into the interioi' ; to ascertain the 

 depth and nature of the ice-cap ; to observe the character of 

 the underlying rocks and their fossils; to take magnetical 

 and meteorological observations, both at sea and on latid ; to 

 observe the temperature of the ocean at all depths and seasons 

 of the year ; to take pendulum observations on land, and pos- 

 sibly also to make gravity observations at great depths in the 

 ocean ; to bore through the deposits on the floor of the ocean 

 at certain points to ascertain the condition of the deeper 

 layers'-'' ; to sound, trawl, and dredge, and study the character 

 of marine organisms — all this would be the work of a modern 

 antarctic expedition. For the more definite determination of 

 the distribution of land and water on our planet ; for the 

 solution of many problems concerning the Ice Age ; for the 

 better determination of the internal constitution and super- 

 ficial form of the earth ; for a more complete knowledge of the 

 laws which govern the motions of the atmosphere and the 

 hydrosphere ; for more trustworthy indications as to the origin 

 of terrestrial and marine plants and animals — all these ob- 

 servations are earnestly demanded by the science of our 

 day." 



Dr. Murray's paper was fully discussed, and m a most 

 favourable manner. All agreed that there was no probability 

 of any commercial advantages resulting from antarctic ex- 

 plorations in the way of seal-hunting or whaling ; but that 

 the scientific knowledge to be gained would be of the very 

 greatest value. The words of the President in summing up 

 the discussion embody the feelings of the Council and mem- 

 bers of the Royal Geographical Society. He said, — 



" I consider that Dr. Murray's paper, and the important 

 discussion which has followed it, will form a new starting- 

 point in the advocacy of a renevi'al of antarctic discovery. 

 We must not forget the valuable work that was done by 

 Admiral Sir Erasmus Ommaney and the committee of the 

 British Association five years ago. Sir Erasmus enlisted the 



* " Dr. IMurray believes tliat gravity determinations might be made, 

 as well as the deposits bored into by specially-constructed instruments 

 let down to the bottom from the ships." 



