The Geographical Journal (Journal of the Royal Geographical Society): Volume XVI, No. 6 [‎336v] (25/232)

598
THE PRESIDENT’S OPENING ADDRESS, SESSION 1900-1901.
The two recent expeditions to the antarctic regions have both
supplied us with valuable information. In Dr. Cook’s work there are
extremely interesting appendices by members of the Belgian expedition;
and Mr. Borcbgrevink’s piper is accompanied by a very able report on
the meteorology and magnetic work of Sir George Newnes’s expedition
by Mr. Bernacchi, and by a map drawn by Mr. Colbeck, based on his
own survey. The biological collections of Sir George’s expedition have
arrived, and have, I understand, been handed over to the authorities of
the British Museum at South Kensington.
Our own antarctic expedition is now, at last, making progress as
regards equipment and other arrangements. The ship is m an advanced
state, and we have had every reason to be satisfied with the work of
the Dundee Shipping Company. Captain Scott, r.n., the commander
of the expedition, was only able to take charge last August, but he has
already shown that he possesses many of those qualities which are
essential for so difficult and responsible a post.
The German expedition is far more advanced than we are, in every
department of its work, under the direction of its able and accomplished
commander, Prof, von Drygalski; but this is because his Committees have
seen the wisdom of giving him a perfectly free hand. I am glad to say
that the commanders of the two expeditions have had an opportunity of
becoming friends, and of exchanging views during the autumn ; and
Captain Soott, if not too much trammelled by Committees, will soon
make up for lost time. Captain Scott has also derived very great
advantage from his intercourse with the scientific men who are con
ducting dredging operations and physical investigations on board the
Michael Sars on the Norwegian coast. Dr. Hjort and our gold medallist.
Dr. Nansen, have given Captain Scott the results of their great ex
perience as regards the best nets for dredging, and the latest inventions
connected with oceanic researches generally. They spared no pains to
inform him on these points, and, as they are gifted with remarkable
powers of exposition, the advantage derived from conversations with
them is very great. Captain Scott will, I am sure, desire to join in a
cordial expression of thanks from this Society to our Norwegian
colleagues.
Oar friend Dr. Sven Hedin has, during the past year, been actively
a,t work in the Lob-nor country and the basin of the Tarim; and I
believe that his archaeological discoveries will throw a flood of light on
the past history of that region. The complete record of the scientific
work of Dr. Sven Hedin’s former journey has, meanwhile, been published
in a special number of Petermanns Mitteilungen, fully illustrated by
maps. Another important geographical work which has appeared
during the recess, is the statement of the Argentine case in the boundary
arbitration now in progress. It is very fully illustrated by maps and
photographic views. Still another excellent book is a ‘ Glimpse of