290 Geographical Collections. 
Expedition to the Antartic Pole.—The American brig Anwann is to sail from 
New York on a voyage of discovery, which is to last three years. This vessel is 
fitted for a commercial expedition, and for a voyage of discovery. She is des- 
tined to explore the ice-clad regions of the Antartic Pole. Her equipment is ad- 
mirably calculated to struggle against the dangers of this species of navigation. 
Mr. Palmer is the captain of the vessel. The choice of this experienced naviga- 
tor, whose name is already known by the discovery of a continent, or great group 
of islands, near the Antartic Pole, inspires the greatest confidence in this expedi- 
tion. Captain Pendleton forms likewise a part of this expedition, and commands 
the Seraph, a vessel of the same size. This officer was chosen by the late Secre- 
tary of the Navy as first pilot, to make a national voyage of discovery, but, after 
many negociations, this voyage was not carried into effect. He ts commander- 
in-chief of the present expedition. The crews of these two vessels consist of fifty 
young, strong, and robust fellows. Amongst the singularities of the equipment, 
we are astonished to remark a simple, elegant, and useful invention of two new 
piroques, constructed of whalebone, which can be changed at pleasure into com- 
modious sledges, to pass the mountains of ice. Dr. James Hightly is engaged 
as naturalist to the expedition. Many advantages may be expected from the zeal 
and geographical knowledge which Mr. Pendleton has acquired under the late 
Secretary of the Navy, during his investigations of this suhject. A numerous 
library, and a great many nautical and astronomical instruments, have been ge- 
nerously lent to the expedition.— Hd. Lit. Gaz. 
Climate of Montreal.—F rom a series of tables which were presented to the Na- 
tural History Society at its last meeting, we learn that there fell during the year 
ending 30th September last, 28,94 inches of rain during 98 days of rain; there 
were 36 days on which snow fell, but of the actual quantity no measurements 
had yet been made; the greatest degree of heat was 95 on the 6th June 3 P. M. ; 
the greatest cold occurred on the 4th January, being —-22°; the greatest quan- 
tity of rain in one month was in June, when there fell 7.42 inches, and in one 
day, on the 28th June, when there fell 1,70 inches ; the mean of the thermome- 
ter in October was 49, May 68, June 68, July 70, Aug. 68, Sept. 56, the mean 
for the year was therefore 441; the winds duriug 242 days were westerly, of 
which 54 were between N. and W.—MWontreal Gazette. 
Chinese Colonists: —The Singapore Commercial Register of June 13, contains 
the following curious intelligence: “ The Frances Charlotie, and Guardian, 
have been chartered to convey about 400 China-men from this port to the Mauri- 
tius, to be employed there as free labourers on the sugar plantations.” 
Australasia. —Mr. Frazer, the colonial botanist, gives the most flattering ac- 
count of the river Brisbane and the country in the neighbourhood of Moreton 
Bay, the rivers, plains, creeks, forests, mountains, and vallies, assuming an ap- 
pearance of extent and grandeur. unknown in any other part of the coast as yet 
discovered. Hitherto all our colonial rivers, and rich alluvial countries, have 
been found merely on a small scale; but every thing at Moreton Bay assumes a 
vastness and importance quite unrivalled ; and we are glad to hear that Mr. Fra- 
zer, who is well entitled to an opinion on the subject, gives Moreton Bay a de- 
cided preference over the boasted Swan River.— Australian. 
Van Dieman’s Land.—Some experiments have been made to determine the 
quality of the coal found in Van Dieman’s land, in order to determine its fitness 
for use on board of steam-vessels. It is found to resemble most nearly a Scotch 
coal called Elgin Wali-End, which has long been held in high estimation for 
purposes of steam navigation.—Asiatice Journal, Dec. 1829. 
Japan.—A recent attempt, on the part of the Dutch government, to procure 
statistical information respecting this country, has turned out most disastrously. 
