AUSTRALIAN GLACIATIONS Qi 7 
nooks snow lies on these uplands most of the year, and snow storms 
may occur in the height of summer. At sea level, in the same 
latitude as Kosciusko, the mean annual temperature is about 
59 F., while the present mean temperature of the summit of 
Kosciusko is about 35° F. 
The first definite and unquestionable determination of glacial 
features on Kosciusko was made by Dr. R. von Lendenfeld, in 1884 
(XXXII). Lendenfeld’s observations were limited to the occur- 
rences of roches moutonnées and glacier-polished rocks, which he 
found in the Wilkinson Valley, situated between Mount Kosciusko 
and Mount Townsend, at the sources of the River Murray, in the 
upper valley of the Snowy River, and also in that of the Cracken- 
back River. The polished faces were found on prominent surfaces 
(one of them was 3 acres in extent), and was estimated to extend, 
in all, over 100 square miles of country. Lendenfeld believed that 
the lowest altitude of glaciation was 5,800 feet above sea level. 
On account of Lendenfeld’s observations not being supported with 
collateral evidences, some skepticism was expressed as to the 
existence of true glacial features in the area described by him.* 
Mr. R. Helms, in a visit to Kosciusko in 1893, supplemented 
Lendenfeld’s observations in several important particulars. He 
noted the glacial topography of the country, with respect to the 
occurrences of flat bottom valleys; glacial moraines, (one of which 
was over a square mile in extent); glacially excavated lakes, as in 
the case of Lake Merewether (or Blue Lake); and transverse 
moraines, causing moraine lakes. He placed the lower limits of 
glacial action at about 5,200 feet above sea level (XX XIII). 
More detailed work on the field was done by Professor David, 
(in conjunction with other scientific experts), who visited Mount 
Kosciusko on four separate occasions (1901-8), with the result 
that the question of glaciation of the Australian Alps, within com- 
paratively recent times, has been placed beyond dispute (XX XIV-— 
XXXV). 
One important point which these later observers claim to have 
established is that there have been two periods of glaciation on 
tSee a discussion on the subject in Geological Society of London, Quar. Jour. 
Geol. Soc., XLI (1885), Proc. p. 103. 
