416 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION E. 



interests of the country which depend for their success upon the 

 annual rainfall, an advantage which would be worth many times 

 over all the cost of the expeditions* necessary to establish it. 



In conclusion, I would submit that the exploration of these 

 regions is a task which, by our geographical position and our 

 wealth, is thrown on Australia as a duty which we cannot evade 

 if we have any adequate conception of our great position in the 

 southern seas, and any healthy ambition which transcends pro- 

 ducing the best of wool, or the finest of wine, or raising coal, 

 gold, or silver. 



If ever an Australian statesman had a chance of immortalizing his 

 name it is now. Where is the politician with a mind sufficiently 

 educated, and with views sufficiently broad to grasp the situation, 

 and to crown his brows with immortal laurels by taking a step 

 which will secure to this colony universal attention, and the appro- 

 bation of the entire civilised globe ? 



If we do not move in this matter speedily, Germany will fore- 

 stall us to our mortification and disgrace. 



In conclusion, I deem it my duty to say that we would deem it 

 to be a risky proceeding and one which the Antarctic Exploration 

 Committee would deprecate, to despatch an expedition of less than 

 two ships to tliis region. If our German friends do go, we hope 

 that they will send two vessels. If they send but one, we ought 

 to find her a consort. 



3.— AN EPITOME OF OUR KNOWLEDGE OF 

 AUSTRALASIA. 



By Sir Edavard Strickland, K.C.B., F.R.G.S., Hon. Treasurer 



of the Association. 



