170 REPORT 1860. 



These Miau-tsze live to a great extent on the eastern slopes of the mountains, 

 whose western slopes, in South-Eastern Asia, are peopled by the numerous tribes of 

 Laos and Shans, and more particularly of the Karens, who are our tried and faithful 

 adherents in the territory of Burmah ; and there are probably strong marks of simi- 

 larity of origin and identity of race between the Miau-tsze of China and the Karens 

 of Burmah and Pegu. 



Journey in the Yoruba and Nupe Countries. By D. May, R.N. 



History of the Ante- Christian Settlement of the Jeivs in China. 

 By Dr. Macgowan, U.S. 



Cruise in the Gulf of Pe-che-li and Leo-tuny (China). By J. Mickie. 



On the Formation of Oceanic Ice in the Arctic Regions. 

 By Captain Sherard Osborn, R.N., F.R.G.S. 



On the Course and Results of the British North American Exploring Expe- 

 dition, under his Command in the years 1857, 1858, 1859. By Captain J. 

 Palliser. 



The first part of this paper was occupied with a sketch of the course of the expedi- 

 tion, illustrated by a large map. Starting from England in May 1857, the expedi- 

 tion reached Lake Superior by New York and the United States, from whence they 

 travelled in canoes to the Red River settlement, then with horses and carts across 

 the Plains to the north-west to Carlton, where the first winter was spent. During 

 that season Captain Palliser travelled back to the States on business, and Dr. Hector 

 reached as far west as the Rocky Mountains. In June 1858 the expedition resumed 

 its westward course, and in August reached the line of the Rocky Mountains. The 

 remaining two months before the winter set in was occupied in exploring the Moun- 

 tains, resulting in the discovery of four passes. The second winter was spent at 

 Edmonton, where the expedition reassembled in October. Captain Blakiston returned 

 to England from this place. The winter of J 858-59 was spent in various explo- 

 rations into the Rocky Mountains with the purpose of learning their winter aspect. 

 The furthest of them reached almost to Mount Brown. In spring of 1859 M. Bourgeau 

 returned to England, his term of engagement having expired ; and the rest of the party, 

 accompanied by two English gentlemen, the late Captain Brisco and Mr. Mitchell, 

 proceeded through theBlackfoot country along the South Saskatchewan and bound- 

 ary line, till in August they again separated to explore the mountains j Captain 

 Palliser and Mr. Sullivan undertaking the west slope, and Dr. Hector to endeavour 

 to pass direct to the valley of Eraser River. The party again rejoined at Fort Colvile, 

 and from thence descended the Columbia river to the sea. A necessary delay at 

 Vancouver Island allowed of a visit to the coal mines at Nanaimo, and also to Fraser 

 River, after which the expedition returned to England by California, Panama, and 

 the West Indies, having been absent exactly three years. 



The territory which has now been examined and mapped by this expedition ranges 

 from Lake Superior to the eastern shore of the lesser Okanagan Lake, and from the 

 boundary line to the watershed of the Arctic Ocean. This large belt of the continent 

 was explored in three seasons. 



The first season was devoted to the examination of its south-eastern portion 

 between Lake Superior to the elbow of the south branch of the Saskatchewan, and 

 from the British boundary line or 49th parallel to Fort Carlton, in lat. 52° 52' N., 

 long. 106° 18' W. 



The second season was devoted to the examination of the territory between the 

 two Saskatchewans, to the exploration of the Rocky Mountains, and to the discovery 

 of the passes available for horses in the British territory. 



The third season commenced with a long journey from our winter quarters at Ed- 

 monton in lat. 53° 34' N., long. 113° 20' W,, through the Blackfoot country to the 



