clix 
material became valuable industries in other countries. The paper 
led to an interesting discussion in which various members took part, 
particular mention being made of the destructive nature of the tar 
thus allowed to run to waste in destroying or tainting many of the 
fish in the wells of the fishermen’s boats, 
A paper by Mr. J. R. McClymont, M.A., Edin., entitled ‘‘ Australian 
Topography: Edel’s Land, De Witt’s Land, and Carpentaria,” was 
read by Mr. J. B. Walker. Mr. McClymont attempted to prove by 
references to Tasman’s Letter of Instructions, 1644, and to early 
maps that the Land of Edel, on the west coast of Australia, was dis- 
covered in 1617, two years earlier than the date usually assigned to 
the discovery, and thatl1619 is only the date of a second visit. The 
paper also showed that the name Carpentaria is not met with before 
1663, although a river emptying iato the gulf received the name of the 
president of the Dutch East India Co. in Tasman’s map of 1644, and 
possibly at a still earlier period. In concluding his notes, Mr. 
McClymont expressed his thanks to Mr. Justin Browne and Mr. J. 
B. Walker for the loan of books but stated as his opinion that 
“‘private collections can never supply the place of a pubiic 
collection of works relating to Australian discovery. Thatif Australians 
are to kecome familiar with the beginnings of Australian history, the 
means of studying the sources whence that history is drawn must be 
placed within their reach—an end to be attained by the gradual and 
persistent acquisition in each colony of the books, maps, and manuscripts 
bearing on its own history, until an Australian library shall be estab- 
lished, rich in all procurable rarities of colonial history and discovery.” 
The CHAIRMAN said that a great many years ago a collection was 
made of old historical books which were put into the Franklin Museum, 
and were subsequently handed over to trustees for the benefit of the then 
projected college. He thought that it would not be ont of place for 
the society to enter into negotiations with the representatives of those 
trustees with the view of getting them deposited in the Society’s 
Library. 
Mr. J. B. WALKER said that the books referred to were now in 
Christ’s College Library, and stored in one of the rooms of the Town 
Hall, under the care of the Warden of the College. 
Mr. Justin Browne exhibited a copy of Tasman’s map showing 
Tasmania and Australia as one large island, which was examined 
with much interest. 
Bishop SANDFORD moved,—‘ That it be remitted to the council of 
the Royal Society to consider during the recess that steps should be 
taken to further the collection and preservation of records, books, 
documents, maps, etc., which may serve to illustrate the history of the 
colony in all its particulars, and to throw light on all that concerns 
the discovery, geography, and development of the colony, and to report 
to an early meeting of the society at its next session.” 
Mr. J. B. WALKER seconded, and the motion was unanimously passed. 
Mr. T. Sreruens, M.A., read a paper, entitled ‘ Notes on boring 
operations in search of coal in Tasmania, 1884” (continued). 
In course of a short discussion that followed, S 
Mr, C. H. Grant said that so recently as Saturday last he visited 
the coal district at Fingal, when it was brought under his notice that 
the coal at Mount Durham, situated at a distance of 24 miles, seemed 
to be a continuation of the 8ft. seam now well exposed at Mount 
Nicholas. The value of the coal in that district seemed to be incon- | 
ceivable, and he had no doubt that it would rival some of the coaltields 
of the Old World. 
