20 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 
Turning to antarctics so far as mere temperature is concerned, 
that to be encountered on the southernmost tableland of ice, would 
probably not be lower than that endured by Nansen at elevations 
very lofty in Greenland, and the ascent of the ice-cliffs near Mount 
Erebus, from convenient points of sloping shores, would likely also 
not be more perilous, than the scaling of some ice-crests of the Cau- 
casus by members of the Alpine Club last year. The project of 
renewed south-polar exploration has been discussed in all its 
bearings by the Antarctic Committee of the British Association, 
as well as here. We are not even yet aware, to what circum- 
stances the existence of the only deep gulf towards the South 
Pole is traceable, whether to voleanic influences, or to terrestrial 
configuration, or to what other causes. Can the increasing 
pressure, exercised by the constantly enlarging height of the 
contiguous immense southern ice-masses, induce perhaps volcanic 
disturbances through the enormous weight? The breaking 
away of the crust or melting away from beneath, where not on 
firm land, seems quite out of proportion to the ever augmenting 
ponderousness, resulting from all aqueous precipitations ever 
there at once freezing, even at summer-time. What the effect of 
mere gravitation may finally be on this land of ice without any 
relieving open interjacent water-channels, concerns us even at 
such distance here as physicists and also as mere inhabitants 
very much indeed; and it is worthy of full discussions in our 
meetings for years to come, particularly if data could be obtained 
as to the ratio of increase of the ice. The extensive and so 
patriotic Australian Natives’ Association likewise advocates re- 
newed Antarctic disquisition; and surely these efforts will tend, 
to maintain also the glorious maritime supremacy of the British 
Nation, displayed formerly in the most distant of southern waters. 
as much as elsewhere. 
Now as to our own Alps. The circumspectness and energy of 
the Council, aided by public and private liberality, has provided 
enjoyments, some with us not previously realised. Among these 
is a tour to our highlands. To most Australians and many of 
the Europeans here a visit to our Alps, through the steam- 
locomotive more and more coming within ready and easy reach, 
will have the charms of novelty. Particularly in early or in late 
hours you will likely behold a kind of airy ocean, surrounding 
with gigantic waves, phantastic isles, formed by highland pinnacles. 
visible above the sea of vapours, the sun’s rays illuminating the 
calm or drifting clouds, resplendent in colorations of ever-changing 
and indescribable magnificence. You will there be in the purest 
of air of lightly respirable buoyancy. Whilst summer-heat 
parched already the lowlands, you will have vernal flower-tields 
of unique ever refreshed beauty, to wander over; close to this 
may lie never-melting snow. In this, what I would call the 
Australian Switzerland, pasture- and orchard-plots will soon be 
