Xll 



INTRODUCTION. 



recognise the existing condition of things, and to deal with 

 France as generously as she has dealt with Germany. 

 Stifling my own patriotic regrets, I cannot but think that 

 tlie presence of Germany in these regions will be fraught 

 with great advantage to the world of science. When we recall 

 our spasmodic efforts to explore New Guinea and the com- 

 paratively small results obtained, when we remember to how 

 great an extent such attempts have been supported by 

 private enterprise and how little they have been due to 

 government or even to semi-official aid, we have reason to 

 be glad that the exploration of these regions will be con- 

 ducted with that thoroughness which can only be obtained 

 when, as in the case of Germany, geographical enterprises 

 become the business of the State. 



