1868.] 



Exploration of Central Australia. 



357 



proper attention had been paid to the objects it had to serve. There is no 

 doubt that the many unemployed hours, even of those of the piirty gene- 

 rally and more exclusively engaged upon exploration matters, may, for the 

 benefit of the well-being of the whole expedition, well be turned to account 

 in assisting scientific inquiry. On such principles the scientific plan of 

 operations of the proposed expedition, as detailed hereafter, has been 

 framed. It includes the following branches ;— 



1. AstrGnomical Science and Surveying, — In addition to such operations 

 as are absolutely necessary for the mapping of the country, it is proposed 

 to organize a system of observations of the moon, with a view to assist lon- 

 gitudinal determination. Such more accurate determinations of the geo- 

 graphical position may be carried out at the various depots above 

 spoken of. 



2. Terrestrial Physics and Meteorology . — Systematic registration of 

 meteorological phenomena and terrestrial miagnetisra is likewise to be car- 

 ried out at the depots, particularly with a view to assist barometrical mea- 

 surements of elevations and magnetic observations in the field. 



If it should prove at all practicable, it vv^ould likewise be advisable to 

 include in the general plan of working observations on the length of the 

 pendalura vibrating seconds. 



3. Geology, ValcEontology, and Mineralogy. — A geological sketch-map 

 of the whole route across the continent is to be made, and paleeontological 

 specim.ens are to be collected. Special attention has to be paid to the 

 mineral resources of the country travelled over. 



4. Botany. — Observations on the physiology and geographical distri- 

 bution of plants are to be included, and collections made. 



.5. Zoology and Comparative Anatomy, including Ethnology. — This 

 branch is likewise to be attended to with a view to assist physiological 

 studies, and to examine into the applicability of Darwin's Theorj?- on the 

 Fauna of Australia, ancient and modern. Collections are to be made. 



Character and language of the aboriginals in the various parts of the 

 continent are to be studied. 



6. Sketching and Photography. — These arts will be em.ployed more par- 

 ticularly for the purpose of representing the character of the various tracts 

 of country passed through, but will have likewise to assist the various 

 branches of science in the comxplete execution of their parts. 



I refrain from entering into particulars respecting the general scheme of 

 scientific work to be adhered to in the course of the expedition ; the more 

 so as it is intended that the authorities in the various scientific branches, 

 both in England and in the colonies of Australia, should be consulted on 

 this matter, and their cooperation and advice solicited. It is especially by 

 the aid of the scientific men and institutions in Australia, and their exten- 

 sive labours in the various branches of science, that I am led to hope for a 

 great success in the scientific part of the work of the expedition, as these 

 labours form an excellent base whereon to build and start from. Thus 

 much, however, I may state, that it is to be made a rule that nothing be 



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