Geographical Collections.. 289 
imum of high water, in that space of time, has been 5] inches above that mean, 
(10th July 1817,) and the minimum of low water 26 inches below, (17th Febru- 
ary 1826.) « 
Expedition in Southern Africa.—We have already had occasion to express 
our opinion of the importance of explorations in the different parts of those exten- 
sive territorial acquisitions which Great Britain has obtained, either by her valour, 
or, in former days, by the wide career engendered by the fearlessless of the privateer, 
or the more peaceable spirit of commerce—in latter times by the more honourable 
ambition of adding to our knowledge of the globe which we inhabit, and of 
spreading a benign philosophy among ignorant savages. 
Often have we, in common with most men of cultivated understandings, been 
at once surprized and grieved at the apathy and indifference shown in regard to the 
natural riches of districts perhaps long colonized by our countrymen, and of the 
want of knowledge of possessions whose resources we were oftentimes at length 
made acquainted with by the labours of a foreigner. 
These reflections are now, however, gradually becoming more inapplicable. 
The spirit of individuals is now meeting with the support of Government, and 
expeditions for geographical research are planned with rapidity, and as liberally 
executed. 
Dr. Smith, well known for his zoological researches at the Cape of Good Hope, 
en his return from an expedition made at his own expense into the interior, has 
been so fully convinced of the possibility of penetrating to, and reaching that 
part of the country situated under the line, that he has made application to the 
colonial secretary, Sir George Murray, to permit an expedition to start under his 
care, at Government’s expense, with the view of carrying this plan into effect. The 
application has been forwarded with the support of the present governor, Sir Lowry 
Cole, who is much disposed to encourage all kinds of inquiry, and anxious to 
promote the cause of knowledge. We heartily wish that such a proposal will 
meet with approbation, as from our knowledge of Dr. Smith’s abilities as a natu- 
ralist, we are certain that it would be accompanied with much benefit to science, 
and because we think that, in times of peace, the attention of our colonial govern- 
ment cannot be turned to any thing of more importance, and of more interest, 
than the furtherance of geographical knowledge. We understand that, by the 
same gentleman’s exertions, a society has been established at Cape Town, for 
the purpose of promoting the study of natural history. Sir William Jardine, 
Dr. Brewster, and Professor Jameson, have already been named honorary mem- 
bers, and we wish it every success. 
Austrian Travellers.—Professor Riepel intended exploring this year a part of 
the Austrian Alps. This naturalist already possesses a superb collection in geo- 
logy, which fills several of the apartments of the Polytechnic School. At the 
present moment, the two dealers in entomological objects, Dahl and Parreis, are 
exploring countries little visited till the present time by entomologists ; the first 
is in Sicily, the latter in the Crimea. A young naturalist, Dr. Lhotsky, is pre- 
paring himself for a journey of natural history in New Holland. The magnifi- 
cent work of Dr. Pohl on the plants of Brazil, accompanied with an entomology 
of that country by Mr. Kollar, is nearly published, and the narrative of his jour- 
ney is ready for the press. 
Hansteen’s Journey.—Dr. Erman is now on his return to Europe through 
Kamtschatka, China, and round the Cape. Dr. E. has made two very singular 
discoveries : first, that the whole of Siberia from the European frontier up to the 
Bay of Ochotsk is intersected by good roads: secondly, that in as far as the 
geological structure of mountains can lead to conclusions relative to their contents, 
it is highly probable that the northern descent of the chain of the Ural may con- 
tain gold and platina, in the same quantity as lately discovered on the western 
and southern declivity of the same mountain ridge. Should this latter conjecture 
prove well founded, Russia will be abundantly supplied Ue the sinews of war. 
VOL. I. 4 a O 
