TRANSACriONS OF SECTION E. 833 



route followed wa? almost due south as fax- as the Oloncurry mineral fields, thence 

 due east to Hug-henden, south-west to Winton, due west to Boulia, only to ba 

 driven back ajjain by drought as far as the Thomson River. In a futile attempt 

 to reach the South Australian border at Haddon's Corner, Windorah was reached, 

 but at this stage scarcity of water and horse feed compelled the travellers to 

 abandon their intention, and, after losing- two horses from thirst and starvation, 

 to retrace their steps as far as the Barcoo River. This river was eventually fol- 

 lowed down, and the Cheviot and Grey ranges crossed to Adavale, where a course 

 was steered along the Bulloo River, and ultimately along the Paroo. CunnamuUa, 

 on the Warrego, was reached, and the river followed down across the Queensland 

 border into New South Wales. Arriving in the town of Bourke, on the Darling 

 River, the remaining horses were disposed of and a rowing boat purchased, in 

 which a distance of 800 miles was traversed to the small town of Menindee, 

 whence a river steamer conveyed them on to Wentworth, whence by the' 

 Murray and by train Adelaide was reached, exactly a year and a month after 

 leaving Normanton. 



2. Oil the Islands of Ghiloii. Bj Mrs. Lilly Grove, F.B.G.S. 



The Archipelago of Chiloe, lying between 41° and 43" S. lat., is only 25 miles 

 distant from the mainland at its nearest point. The principal island, Chiloe, 

 •can be reached by steamer or by one of the native sailing-vessels, which are well 

 managed by the hardy and dexterous ' Chilotes.' These vessels form the chief 

 means of communication, as the postal service is irregular. The island is peaceful 

 and prosperous, and crime is rare among its gentle and hospitable inhabitants. 

 Education is improving. Agriculture and wood-cutting are the chief emploj-- 

 jnents both of men and women. They have few wants ; fish and the potato are 

 their main articles of food. Wages are generally paid in kind, often, unfortunately, 

 ■in alcohol. It is interesting to note that the potato (called jMitata or papas) "is 

 of Chihan origin, and grows in the wildest districts, even at the top of the highest 

 mountains. A whole region is called after it, and it is sometimes the sole food of 

 the people. Other interesting native plants are the Latue (similar to belladonna), 

 an infusion of which produces temporary madness ; the Pangue, valuable as an 

 astringent; the Pihon, rising to a majestic height, with a whiFe resin, also useful 

 medicinally ; the Canelo, whose branches are recognised as a Hag of truce ; and the 

 Alerce, large forests of which are found near Castro and Ancud, and whose wood 

 is most valuable for building purposes ; but better means of transport are needed 

 in order to work these forests economically. Fishing is a very important industrv, 

 •Ijoth in_ Chiloe and the Guaytecas. Telegraphic communication between the last- 

 named islands and the mainland would be of great service, and the Government of 

 Chile should make fishing and shooting regulations to prevent the extermination of 

 the seals, whose skins are prepared near Dalcahutj. The chief ports are Ancud 

 ■and Castro, the latter of which is very picturesque. 



3. On Eecent Ea'plorations in Katanga. By E. G. Eavenstein, 



A brief account was given of the recent Belgian expeditions to the Katanga 

 country, including the journeys of Delcommune, Captain Stairs, Bia, and Franqui. 

 A summary of the physical geography of the region, its resources and people, was 

 given. ^ '■ 



4. Pictures of Japan. By Professor J. Milne, F.E.S. 



This paper took the form of an explanation of an important series of lantern 

 photographs illustrating the earthquake phenomena of Japan. 



1893. 



3h 



