Pvoceediniis of the Royal Sociefi/ of Vicforla. 205 



Elections. 



Mr. John Dawson was elected as a Country Member, and 

 Mr. W. Stratford Strettle, jun., as an Associate. 



The Presidext, in the absence of Dr. Neild the Hon, 

 Libiarian, announced tliat se^•enty-three publications had been 

 received durin<^ the last month. 



Antarctic Committee's Report. 



The President read the Report of the Antarctic Committee, 

 ;ind stated that it was read at the public meeting in the 

 Athena!um a few evenings ago. Mr. Robert Reid was then 

 present, and made a donation of £1000 to the Fund. The 

 Report was the most satisfactory one the Committee had sub- 

 mitted, and the sum in hand was greater than what was tirst 

 [iroposed. Originally, an expedition to cost £10,000 was spoken 

 of, but it had grown into one to cost £15,000. It was, however, 

 hoped that £20,000 would be raised, so as to allow of a margin, 

 and to carry out the expedition in the best style. The state of 

 .itfairs in Australia was communicated as quickly as possible to 

 iheir Swedish friends, who were commencing active preparations 

 for fitting out the expedition. In about fourteen or fifteen 

 months from the pi'esent time, the ship or ships of the expedition 

 would probably be seen in Hobson's Bay with the veteran Arctic 

 navigator Nordjenskold on board one of them. The objects 

 expected to be attained were pinmarily scientific, but it would be 

 (juite possible that facts of vast commercial importance would be 

 also oljtained. 



Replying to Professor Spencer, the President stated that it 

 was part of the original arrangement that Baron Nordjenskold 

 should lead the enterprise, and the only fear was that his 

 advancing years would prevent it. 



Mr. Ellery undei'stood that it would be led by the Baron or 

 his son. 



Mr. PtUSDEN said tliat although he was unable to produce any 

 authoritative document, yet it was understood tliat the Baroii 

 would lead. One cablegram stated that the second vessel would 

 be lead by the son, who would investigate the opposite side of 

 the circle. He did not know of anyone more suitable to lead the 

 expedition than the Baron, and the arrangements had been left 

 entirely to him. It had been stipulated that two scientific men 

 should be sent by Victoria. 



Mr. Ellery. — Australia. 



Mr. RusDEN. — The Antarctic Committee was in possession 

 of the names of Professor Spencer and Mr. Wragge, of Queens- 

 land, as likely to go. Australia should be entitled to send no 



