TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 141 



than ship, the 'Great Eastern,' of 18,000 tons burthen, was launched on the 

 Thames in 1859; though, as a commercial speculation, she was a failure, yet this 

 wonderful ship was destined, as it would seem, providentially, to complete the 

 great work of laying down submarine telegraph-cables on the bed of the Atlantic, 

 which has brought the Old and New Worlds into instantaneous converse. The enor- 

 mous carrying powers of this ship, together with its great stability, facilitated most 

 materially the operation of laying out these cables in a direct course. It was about 

 the same year (18-41) that Wheatstone had the boldness to state before a Parlia- 

 mentary Committee his conviction that the Straits of Dover might be crossed by a 

 telegraph wire laid on the bed of the sea. There may be some present here who can 

 remember those early aspirations to the application of steam power and electricity, 

 and who can now reflect on the marvellous progress of these two invisible agents, 

 which have given to man the means of expanding his labour and profits in a three- 

 fold degree during his allotted probation here on earth. 



Having now briefly reviewed the leading discoveries which have so enlarged 

 our knowledge of this finite planet, chiefly by the enterprise and courage of this 

 nation, and accomplished by men whose names will for ever be enrolled on the 

 banner of fame, we may justly feel proud that the verdict of other nations accords 

 to us pre-eminence in Geographical research. It is satisfactory to perceive that 

 Geography has become a subject of general interest, and, as a science, is daily pro- 

 gressing and taking a more elevated position in the political as well as in the com- 

 mercial world. With a view to give greater encouragement to the study of Geo- 

 graphy in a more strictly scientific direction, the Council of the Royal Geographical 

 Society have provided means for ensuring a certain number of lectures during each 

 session from scientists of the highest order. Let us hope that our efforts on this 

 occasion may tend to increase that spirit for advancing Geographical knowledge 

 which has been so well exemplified in days past by the exploits of Drake, Raleigh, 

 and many other naval worthies from this county ; and, quoting from Cicero, I will 

 conclude with these words : — 



" I speak of that learning which makes us acquainted with the boundless extent 

 of nature and the universe, and which, even while we remain in this world, dis- 

 covers to us both heaven, earth, and sea." 



On the supposed True Site of Mount Sinai. 

 By Major-General Sir J. E. Alexandeb, C.B. 



On proposed Stations in Central Africa as Bases for future Exploration. 

 By Commander V. L. Cameron, R.N. 



After reviewing the remarkable journey of Dr. Livingstone on the Zambesi, and 

 other travels which had opened up the country during the past twenty years, the 

 authorsaid that in this matter the Old and New Worlds might well shake hands, for 

 Stanley's daring journeys were worthy of those of old-world travellers. Much still 

 remained to be done, and a step was taken last year by the King of the Belgians in 

 starting an international association for the exploration of Central and South Africa ; 

 but eventually this great association broke up, and it was found better to form an 

 entirely British organization which might work independently, but in friendly 

 relation to other efforts. The committee had selected routes starting from the east 

 coast as a basis of exploration. His opinion was that it would be better to establish 

 a direct line of stations to explore certain districts, not only for the purpose of map- 

 making, but for the extension of trade and commerce and the general influences of 

 civilization. In appointing persons to the command of these stations it would be 



