1 54 The Australasian Scientific Magazine. [Nov. i, 1885. 
3. Description of two apparently new species of genus Ancillaria, by 
W. F. Petterd, C.M.Z.S., was read by the Curator. 
AUSTRALIA OR AUSTRALASIA. 
The following paper was read by Colonel A. Crawford : — 
There is a matter that, I conceive, certainly comes within the range of 
subjects of which our association takes cognisance, and to which many 
circumstances combine, in my humble opinion, to render its immediate 
and careful attention most desirable. In the hope that my view’s may 
win the approval and support of the Royal Society, I will ask you kindly 
to read this note at its next meeting, trusting that steps may then be taken 
to obviate the hazard that to me appears imminent. We are living in the 
expectation that at a very near date the majority of the Australian colonies 
— may we not hope all ?■ — will become federated, and assume a higher 
position before the world in the dignity and strength that unity confers. 
Under w’hat title, what cognomen, shall we claim our place among the 
nations of the earth ? At the first glance, the query might to many ap- 
pear trivial, and they would probably feel inclined to waive it as one on 
which they are in no way called upon to decide, whilst they might also 
consider it will doubtless be satisfactorily dealt with by the Federal 
Council at its first session. But I am sure that our Society will agree with 
me that every individual in these lands is or should be interested in the 
question of our future style and title, and that it shall be both euphonious 
and correct, and if I can show that a great risk does exist of our being 
made to appear under a designation every way inappropriate, I think the 
Royal Society will not hesitate to call public attention to the fact, and 
bring the weight of its opinion to bear upon the same. I doubt not it 
will have been noticed by many that in the numerous despatches and 
telegrams that of late have been passing between the Imperial Govern 
ment and the Australian Governments relative to federation, two words 
constantly appear as designating this portion of the globe “ Australia ” and 
“ Australasia," and they seem to be used by all parties alike as con- 
vertible terms, frequently presenting themselves in the same document as, 
if so used, for the purpose of avoiding tautology. A little reflection, how- 
ever, will show that these terms are by no means one and the same. 
Their signification differs in toto. “ Australia,” whilst musical and 
pleasing to the ear, places at once before the mind the idea of a large and 
noble southern land, and therefore may be regarded as adequately repre- 
senting this great portion of Her Majesty’s dominions. “ Australasia,” 
on the other hand, whilst it might reasonably be applied to Burmab, Siam, 
Cochin-China, or even India, has in reality no true geographical signific- 
ance in connection with our great island continents and its sister isles of 
Tasmania and New Guinea. Let it be remembered that Australia (I 
cling to that term) is separated from Asia and its islands by an ocean of 
soundings so deep as effectually to prohibit chance intercourse, and so 
nature has, in her own unmistakable language, proclaimed these countries 
by their peculiar fauna and flora to be a distinct region. Why, then, 
should we in any way, in name at least, allow ourselves to be looked upon 
as a species of dependency or excresence of Asia ? Poor relations, per- 
haps. Whilst our real and only debt to that quarter of the world is 
limited probably to a few’ stray cocoanuts, drifted by wind and tide to our 
northern shores. There would be more reason exhibited in calling Africa 
“ Austral-Europe,” than in denominating these colonies “ Australasia,” for 
a reference to the map will at once show that the meridians of longitude 
