ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS. 13 



who has lately left England with that object in view. Mr. 

 Last who has been sent out by the Royal Geographical Society 

 to explore the region East of Lake Nyassa, is laying himself out 

 for work which promises results that may bring a rich gain to 

 Science. In New Guinea the Germans are engaged in exploring 

 the resources of their new territory, while on our own side little has 

 yet been done, but we are awaiting with interest the publication 

 of the results of M. Nil de Miklouho-Maclay's long residence 

 in this Island. Perhaps the most notable geographical work 

 during the past year has been the exploration of Patagonia which 

 the Argentine Government is continuing so energetically. 



Of Polar work generally, there is nothing to record, but 

 considerable attention has been excited by the proposals for the 

 re-opening of Antarctic Exploration, and the Australian 

 Geographical Societies are very keen about it. There would seem 

 to be a probability that before long, through their exertions an 

 expedition may be formed to resume the explorations of Captain 

 Ross and Sir Geo. Nares in the South-polar regions. A progress 

 report has lately been issued by the Antarctic Exploration 

 Committee of the Royal Society of Victoria evidencing very active 

 interest in the question on the part of that Society, and on the 

 part of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, Victorian 

 Branch. The resumption of Antarctic exploration is advocated 

 not only on scientific grounds, but for the lucrative field it presents 

 for the prosecution of the Whaling and Sealing Trade which it opens 

 to our Maritime interests in the Southern Seas. It is proper that 

 I should here inform you, that at the request of the Victorian 

 branch of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, and in 

 conjunction with Sir Edward Strickland, K.C.B., the President 

 of the Sydney Branch, I have made application through Sir Henry 

 Parkes, for the countenance and support of the Government of New 

 South Wales towards the carrying out of the proposals. 



And now, gentlemen, although I have barely skimmed the 

 surface of the wide field of scientific inquiry, time will not serve 



