Proceedings, c^c, for 1886. 307 



survivors of Boss's expedition. Eoss himself reported that he saw 

 thousands of whales in those waters, but he was unable to ascertain 

 if these were the whales of commerce, I am in hopes of receiving 

 from Sir A. Young a practical proposal in a few days, which I will 

 then forward to you. In the meantime I may state what is required 

 as a guarantee against ruinous loss in the event of the ship return- 

 ing clean. If, say, £10,000, or even £8000, were guaranteed by the 

 Australian colonies, I think Sir A. Young would consent to go as 

 captain himself. He was quite willing that the sum should be 

 reduced if the voyage proved successful, say, pro rata, according to 

 the number of whales secured. 



This is certainly the most feasible proposal I have yet received, 

 and appears to me the best mode of opening up that part of the 

 world to scientific exploration. I see by the file of papers that the 

 interest in the matter continues in Melbourne, and when the possi- 

 bilities of the future are considered it would seem only reasonably 

 politic to do something at once to secure a possibly lucrative trade to 

 Victoria. — I have the honour, &c., 



(Signed) Graham Berry. 



No. 12. 



THE AGENT-GENEBAL'S LETTEB OF 10th DECEMBEB, 

 ENCLOSING MB. DESSEN'S OFFEB. 



Victoria Office, 8 Victoria Chambers, Westminster, S.W., 



10th December. 



4522. [copy.] 



Sir — In continuation of previous correspondence on the subject 

 of the proposed Antarctic expedition, I have the honour to 

 enclose for your information copy of a letter which I have received 

 from Mr. H. F. Dessen, of this city, stating that he is in a position 

 to make offers of ships suitable for that object. In replying to 

 Mr. Dessen, I have suggested that he should submit alternative 

 offers in accordance with the terms of his letter, and upon his fur- 

 nishing me with these, I will forward them for your consideration. — 

 I have the honour, &c., (Signed) Graham Berry. 



*' Enclosure." [copy]. 



3 Great Percy-street, W.C, London, 8th Dec, 1886. 



Sir — Bef erring to the proposal set on foot in Melbourne to send 

 an expedition to the Antarctic regions, I beg to inform you that 

 I am in a position to lav before you offers of ships built for, and 



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