12 ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS. 



means of photography leave but little doubt that the prospect of 

 an entire sweep of the heavens is brought within our grasp. 



In Geography and Anthropology there has been much to interest. 

 To the improvement of geographical education, the Royal 

 Geographical Society has devoted its untiring energies. The 

 exhibition of geographical appliances and the result of this and 

 other modes of action, has caused a pretty wide-spread interest in 

 the subject. The question of establishing a geographical lectureship 

 has been discussed by the Oxford Hebdomadal Council, and still 

 further steps are likely to be taken by the Society. The Colonial 

 and Indian Exhibition was a notable event, tending greatly to the 

 advancement of knowledge in the departments of geography and 

 anthropology. 



So far as Exploration goes, there is nothing very striking to 

 record. The Afghan Boundary Commission has no doubt collected 

 much geographical information, but, for State reasons it has not 

 been divulged. There have been considerable explorations 

 carried on in Central Asia, amongst them that well known 

 traveller Mr. Elias, has lately returned to England from an 

 interesting journey, during which he visited Kokonor Lake and 

 otherlittle known districts, whilst another adventurous Englishman, 

 Mr. Carey, has been wandering about the frontiers of Thibet, and 

 is still, it is believed continuing his explorations in those unknown 

 parts of Central Asia. 



In Africa much has been doing. While in Belgian hands the 

 Congo Free State threatens to collapse, explorers have been busy 

 working out the hydrography of that great river. Messrs. Kund 

 and Tappenbeck in the South, and Mr. Grenfell in the North have 

 been able to add much to our knowledge of its tributaries. Dr. 

 Lenz the Austrian traveller though he seems to have failed in 

 reaching Emin Pasha has been doing valuable work in his 

 journey up the Congo. We may hope that before the year is out 

 to hear of the relief of that eminent naturalist and friend of 

 General Gordon, through the exertions of Mr. H. M. Stanley, 



