414 
Antarctic Discoveries . 
prove the inaccuracy of that supposition, we devoted some days 
to the investigation of the line of no variation ; and having com¬ 
pleted a series of observations, by which the isodynamic lines 
and point of greater magnetic intensity may be determined, and 
which I had left incomplete last year, I bore away on the 4th 
of April for this port. 
A chart, showing more plainly the discoveries and track of 
the expedition, is herewith transmitted; and a more detailed 
plan, containing all magnetic determinations, shall be sent as 
soon as they are reduced. 
I have much satisfaction in being able to add that the service 
has been accomplished without the occurrence of any casualty, 
calamity, or disease of any kind; and there is not a single 
individual in either of the ships on the sick-list. 
It affords me the highest gratification to acquaint you, that 
I have received the most cordial and efficient co-operation 
from ray well-tried friend and colleague Commander Crozier, 
of the Terror , and no terms of admiration that I can employ 
can do justice to his great merit; nor have the zeal and per¬ 
severing devotion of the officers of both ships been less con¬ 
spicuous, under circumstances of no ordinary trial and diffi¬ 
culty ; and whilst the conduct of our crews has been such as 
to reflect the highest honour on their characters as British 
sailors, it has given to myself, Commander Crozier, and the 
officers of the expedition, the most confident assurance of more 
extended success in pursuing the important duties we have yet 
to fulfil. 
i 
_ )) 
NAME OF VAN DIEMEN'S LAND. 
Mr. Greenough, late President of the Geological Society, 
in his anniversary address to that body on the 24th May, 1841, 
remarks, that “ it is much to be regretted that Government has 
not recognised Tasmania as the name of that island improperly 
denominated Van Diemen's Land. The occurrence of a second 
Van Diemen's Land on the northern coast of Australia occa¬ 
sions confusion; and since Tasman, not Van Diemen, was the 
first discoverer of the island, it would be but just that whatever 
honour the name confers should be given to the former navigator." 
—Journal of the Royal Geographical Society of London , vol. 
xi., 1841, pari 1. 
The present hydrographer of the Admiralty, whose opinion is 
entitled to every consideration, objects to the use of the pos¬ 
sessive case in geographical nomenclature, and would abbreviate 
the name of our Island to Van Diemen Land. However just and 
accurate the grounds of such an alteration, it would be found 
more difficult of acceptation than the change recommended by 
Mr. Greenough, which is already almost naturalised amongst us. 
NAT 
