the Editor

“ The original Australian scheme contemplated a mere reconnoitring cruise around the Antarctic region. No doubt by this means some information would be obtained as to the movements of the ice and as to the prospects-of an Antarctic whale and seal fishery ; but the scientific results could not but be meagre. If the proposed expedition is to yield any information of scientific, and therefore of practical, value, it must be prepared to leave a party as far south as is safe for a whole year. ”

“ The Australians are certainly fortunate in obtaining the cooperation of Baron Nordenskjöld, in some respects the most experienced Polar authority living. He is an accomplished scientific observer, has great experience in ice navigation, and has been trained to obtain the most abundant and most valuable results on the most economical outlay. ”

“ The general result seems to be that opposite Australia there is a great land mass whose outer edge runs for many degrees along the Antarctic Circle, shooting abruptly south into a great bight opposite New Zealand. ”

“ On the opposite side the land probably comes much further south, perhaps to within 80°. But this is mostly conjecture, of course, for all we have had hitherto are observations at isolated points. In connexion with the International Polar Observations of 1883,a German party was stationed for a year in South Georgia, an uninhabited British island about 55° S., far south-east of the Falklands. ”