lx 



Antarctic Exploration. — As the result of a communication from the 

 Premier of Victoria to the Government, intimating the existence of an 

 intention to despatch an expedition to the Antarctic regions in the in- 

 terests of science and commerce, and inviting the co-operation of Tas- 

 mania towards the accomplishment of that grand project, the Hon. the 

 Premier expressed the desire that the correspondence should be brought 

 under the consideration of the Fellows of the Royal Society ; and 

 accordingly, a most interesting paper was read by Mr. C. P. Sprent 

 pointing out, after an exhaustive review of what had been done in the 

 past, the benefits to be expected from the expedition, and giving good 

 reasons why Tasmania should take her share in promoting this 

 honourable enterprise by contributing towards its cost, and, it may be, 

 participating in the future glory of its success. After discussion the 

 following resolution was unanimously adopted, viz.: — "That, in the 

 opinion of this Society, it is desirable in the interests of science and 

 commerce that the exploration of the Antarctic regions should be con- 

 tinued, and that Tasmania should co-operate with the other Australian 

 colonies in the despatch of an expedition for that purpose ; and that the 

 council communicate this resolution to the Premier." It is to be hoped 

 that all the Australasian colonies will combine with the Home Govern- 

 ment in the prosecution of this truly national undertaking. 



Drainage and Sewerage of Hobart.— Perhaps one of the most im- 

 portant subjects of social interest brought before the Royal Society 

 during the session has been that now referred to, which led to a pro- 

 longed discussion that was extended to a second evening specially 

 assigned for that purpose. The author of the paper was Mr. A. Mault, 

 C.E., and embodied a long and carefully prepared report to the Central 

 Board of Health, supported by diagrams with elaborate calculations 

 and statistics. Mr. Mault advocated his scheme of water drainage with 

 conspicuous ability, and which received the support of many of the 

 Pellows. The dry earth system, on the other hand,had its able champions 

 likewise armed with columns of statistics in its favour. Of course there 

 is no practical result to place on record, as it would have been out of 

 harmony with the usual procedure of the Royal Society to have taken a 

 vote upon the rival schemes, its sole object being to draw further 

 attention to the matter by diffusing information. 



Among the miscellaneous items of communication may be mentioned a 

 letter from Rev. H. R. Atkinson on snakes ; and a paper on the Per- 

 onospera i-nfestans, or potato disease, by Mr. Eastow. 



As usual, there have been exhibits with the microscope through the 

 courtesy of Mr. C. J. Atkins and Mr. Bastow. 



It only remains now to mention that 12 Fellows have been elected and 

 three have resigned, with a loss of two by death ; seven have been added 

 to the roll of Corresponding Members. 



Again we have a debt of gratitude to acknowledge to TEe Mercury for 

 its copious and prompt, as wall as accurate, reports of the proceedings 

 of _the society at its evening meetings. 



In conclusion, I take leave to congratulate the Royal Society upon the 

 return to Tasmania of its learned Vice-President, Sir Lambert Dobson ; 

 and to express the hope that now in his exalted position as Adminis- 

 trator of the Government His Excellency will avail himself of his 

 position as president of the Royal Society to preside at its evening 

 meetings during the ensuing Session. (Cheers). 



The Hon. P. 0. Fysh said it might be frequently psked of what use 

 was the Royal Society of Tasmania, and he was glad that that question 

 could be so well answered by the closing address which the vice-president 

 had now read. It was well that year by year institutions like this, which. 



