Letters , Extracts , and Notes. 
195 
unite in undertaking the zoological exploration of a totally 
unknown land of vast and unlimited promise, and that the 
ornithological results, which are certain to prove unique, 
should be published in a special volume of the 4 Ibis J in 
further commemoration of the Jubilee* 
“ The following is a brief outline of the scheme, with which 
I am sure you will all be in sympathy, and in which I hope 
as many of you as possible will participate. 
“ The wonderful Fauna of New Guinea, especially the 
marvellous forms of Bird-life to be found there, has long 
attracted the attention of naturalists in all parts of the 
world. The explorations during recent years of certain 
portions of the Dutch territory at the north-west end and of 
the British and German possessions at the eastern extremity 
have brought to light many extraordinary and hitherto 
unknown forms, more particularly new Birds-of-Paradise 
aud Gardener Bower-Birds ; but the central portion of that 
vast island is still absolutely unexplored, though there is 
no portion of the Globe that promises to yield such an 
abundance of Zoological treasures to those prepared to face 
the difficulties of penetrating to the great ranges of the 
interior. 
a The Charles Louis Mountains in Central Dutch New 
Guinea are an immense snow-capped range forming part of 
the great central system that stretches east and west across 
the island. The highest peaks are believed to attain an 
altitude of from 16,500 to 17,500 feet, and are thus the 
loftiest mountains in the whole Archipelago, and in the whole 
area between the Himalayas and the Andes. They probably 
exceed the Owen Stanley Mountains in British New 
Guinea by about 5000 feet. Until quite recently the 
hostility of the natives has frustrated all attempts to enter 
this part of New Guinea, but the time has now come when 
it is possible for a properly equipped expedition to explore 
the range, the Dutch having arrived at an amicable under¬ 
standing with the inhabitants. 
“ During the last few years Mr. Walter Goodfellow, the 
