860 REPORT — 1896. 
The country nortan of tae Hofsjékull is absolutely barren, and consists of gently 
undulating territory of loose débris, many water-worn pieces of obsidian and 
obsidian bombs being found scattered everywhere. The hot sunshine made it 
impossible to cross the swollen Jékulsa vestri, which was followed up to its source 
on the Hofsjékull; but the mud and slush prevented a crossing. Nor could the 
horses be brought over the glacier itself. For more than twenty-four hours they 
had not had a blade of grass to eat, and it seemed impossible to proceed further 
southwards; but, after a severe night’s frost, a fording was ultimately effected in 
the small hours of the following morning some miles below the source of the 
river, 
The Hveravellir were examined and a large series of photographs taken. The 
sinter crater and terraces of these hot springs are the most beautiful in the island, 
and the territory round them forms one of the richest oases. 
To the east of the Hverayellir a wide crater resembling Hverfjall, but not 
complete to the S.W., was seen, which is neither the Strytur nor Difufell of 
Thoroddsen’s map. On the E. it is flanked by a large lake, which was named 
Karlsvatn. The lava flow between Hveravellir and the crater mentioned has on 
its surface a fine layer of black tachylite, } inch thick (specimens were shown). 
The further progress S was of equal interest. The “high peak” called Blagnypa 
could not be seen at all, although the weather was perfect during that part of the 
journey. On the other hand, very clear photographs were taken of a big mountain 
chain of quite alpine character, contrasting most strikingly with the flat and tame 
polagonite plateau on which the enormous ice-sheet of the Hofsj6kull rests. 
This mountain chain, going from N. to S., has large glaciers quite of alpine 
appearance; that they must be permanent is clear from the fact that the snow had 
melted more than usually during that year, so that the snowcap of Skjaldbreid 
had disappeared altogether some four weeks previously. Thoroddsen does not 
mention these mountains and glaciers, nor does he show them in his map; he 
cannot have seen them, as they are not what he figures as the Kerlingafjéll, 
although they take the place immediately north of where he puts the latter. 
The district of the Hvitarvatn was also visited. All this district is highly 
interesting and full of surprises. It will well repay a careful exploration, as 
hitherto only a very sketchy and fragmentary outline of it is known. 
4. The Relativity of Geographical Advantages. 
By Grorce G. Cuisuowm, I,A., B.Sc. 
The considerations to which attention is drawn in this paper are for the most 
part obvious and familiar, and the only excuse for laying them before the British 
Association is that they are nevertheless apt to be overlooked, especially in esti- 
mates of past conditions, and still more in forecasts based on geography as to the 
condition of the future. 
Geographical advantages may be considered—(1) as relative to the physical 
condition of the surface of a country, e.g. the extent of forests, marshes, &c. The 
former and present relative importance of Liverpool and Bristol may be explained 
in part at least by changes that have taken place under this head. Also the dif- 
ference in direction of some of the great Roman roads and those of the present day, 
and the consequent fact that some important Roman stations in Britain are now 
represented not even by a hamlet. (2) As relative to the political condition of a 
country and of other countries. (8) As relative to the state of military science. 
Under these two heads the difference in the situation of the Roman wall between 
Tyne and Solway and the Anglo-Scottish boundary suggests some considerations. 
Also the difference in the situation of some important Roman towns or stations 
and their modern representatives (Uriconium, Shrewsbury ; Sorbiodunum, Salis- 
bury). (4) As relative to the state of applied science—well illustrated in this 
country, as in the history of the iron and textile industries. (5) As relative to 
the density of population—another important consideration in the industrial history 
of our own country. (6) As relative to the mental attitude of the people where 
