32 T. W. E. DAVID. 
reviewed by one of the leading scientifle journals of Europe, 
Science Progress. The idea of binding together with a view to 
distribution among scientific societies etc., the various papers 
representing the annual research work done at the University 
Laboratories, originated with Dr. Martin, and he is to be con- 
gratulated on having this year succeeded in carrying out this idea. 
The volume in question is before you to-night. - 
Scientific Work outside New South Wales.—Professor Alexander 
Agassiz has lately been engaged in examining the Great Barrier 
Reef of Australia, and taking soundings across it. We may 
shortly look forward to a scientific report by one who has made a 
specialty of coral reefs, and who is acknowledged to be one of the 
greatest living authorities upon that subject. 
Expedition to bore the Coral Atoll of Funafuti in the Ellice 
Group.—Five years ago, Professor Anderson Stuart was consulted 
by a committee of the Royal Society as to the possibility of 
Sydney being the starting point for an expedition to bore one of 
the coral atolls of the Pacific. Professor Stuart consented to 
taking the administrative work in New South Wales, and he is 
to be congratulated upon the expedition having now become an 
accomplished fact, as the warship H.M.S. “ Penguin,” conveying 
the members of the expedition and the diamond drill plant sailed 
from Sydney on May lst ult. The expedition is in charge of | 
Professor Sollas, F.r.s., and Mr. Gardner as zoologist, represents 
the Balfour Research Fund of Cambridge, while Mr. Charles 
Hedley of the Australian Museum, goes as the representative of 
this Colony. The Government of New South Wales have con- 
tributed largely to the expedition by lending a complete diamond 
drill plant, making no charge for the use of the plant, but stipu- 
lating that the committee of the Royal Society of London shall 
make good any loss or damage to the plant. The results of this 
expedition will be awaited with the greatest interest all over the 
scientific world. It is hoped that by means of this expedition 
Darwin’s earnest wish as expressed in the following letter to 
Agassiz will at last be realised :—I wish that some doubly rich 
