250 EBPOET— 1891. 



have left it on record that the whale of commerce was seen by 

 them in these seas, beyond the possibility of a mistake. They 

 have stated that the animals were large and very tame, and 

 that they could have been caught in large numbers. Within 

 the last few years whales have been getting very scarce in the 

 Arctic ; and, in consequence of this, two of the most successful 

 of the whaling-masters of the present day — Captains David and 

 John Gray, of Peterhead, Scotland — have devoted some labour 

 to collecting all the data relating to this question, and they 

 have consulted such survivors of Eoss's expedition as are 

 still available. They have published the results of their in- 

 vestigations in a pamphlet, in which they urge the establish- 

 ment of the fishery strongly, and they state their conclu- 

 sions in the following words : " We think it is established 

 beyond doubt that whales of a species similar to the right or 

 Greenland whale, found in high northern latitudes, exist in 

 great numbers in the Antarctic seas, and that the establish- 

 ment of a whale fishery within that area would be attended 

 with successful and profitable results." It is not necessary for 

 me to add anything to the opinion of such experts in the 

 business. All I desire to say is that, if such a fishery were 

 created, with its head-quarters in Australasia or New Zealand, 

 it would probably be a material addition to our prosperity, and 

 it would soon increase our population by causing the families 

 of the hardy seamen who would man the fleet to remove from 

 their homes in Shetland and Orkney and the Scotch coasts, 

 and settle here. 



In conclusion, I venture to submit that I have been able to 

 point to good and substantial objects, both scientific and com- 

 mercial, to justify a renewal of Antarctic research, and I feel 

 assured that nothing could bring to us greater distinction in the 

 eyes of the whole civilised world than such an expedition, 

 judiciously planned and skilfully carried out. 



1. Antarctic Exploration. 



By C. W. PUENELL. 



The author commenced by remarking that, inasmuch as the 

 subject of Antarctic exploration had already been brought under 

 the notice of the Association by Mr. Griffiths, while an 

 intended expedition under the leadership of Baron Norden- 

 skiold had been actually announced, the present paper might 

 seem unnecessary. He (Mr. Purnell) had, however, read a 



