The Geographical Journal (Journal of the Royal Geographical Society): Volume X, No. 6 [‎125r] (102/186)

THE MONTHLY RECORD.
641
Swedish Polar Expedition determined on.— The persistent eiforts of Dr.
Nathorst to obtain the despatch of a Swedish polar expedition have now been suc
cessful, as sufficient funds have been provided by the king and several private
persons to enable the idea to be carried out. Dr. Nathorst himself will be the
leader of the expedition. The pdans brought forward a year ago by Dr. Nathorst
were briefly described in the January number of the Journal (vol. ix. p. 95), but
it has not yet been stated whether these will be adhered to.
The Belgian Antarctic Expedition. —The Belyica, with the antarctic expe
dition under Commander de Gerlache on board, arrived at Rio de Janeiro on October
22. The explorers were there joined by Dr. Cook, a former companion of Lieut.
Peary. The ship was shortly to proceed to Punta Arenas, where the serious work
of the expedition may be said to begin. Scientific collections and observations
have, however, been made during the voyage out by the scientific staff.
GENERAL.
Geographical Reading for Teachers.— Under the title of ‘ Hints to Teachers
and Students on the Choice of Geographical Books for Reference and Reading, with
Classified Lists ’ (Longmans), Dr. H. R. Mill, the Society’s librarian, has compiled
a little volume which ought to be of the greatest service in geographical education.
Unless a teacher goes beyond his class text-book, his teaching is not likely to bear
much fruit. Few teachers have the necessary time or knowledge to discover for
themselves the best books to consult on any particular subject. So far as geography
is concerned, Dr. Mill has done all that most students and teachers are likely to
require. There are two introductory chapters on the Principles of Geography and
on the Teaching of Geography, accompanied by a list of books on Methods of
Teaching Geography. This is followed by short chapters on the Choice of Text
books, on Atlases and Means of Illustration, and on Works of Reference on Geo
graphy, with lists. Then come chapters on Mathematical Geography, Physical
Geography, Bio-Geography, and Anthropogeography, followed by sections on the
various divisions of the globe, each containing a select list of books. The con
cluding section is on General Travel and Biography. The hints given are all
the result of extensive experience on the part of the author, while the selection
of books recommended has evidently been carefully considered. Those interested
in the improvement of geographical education will be grateful to Dr. Mill for the
service he has rendered.
Portuguese Celebration of the Discovery of the Sea-route to India.—
We have received a copy of the programme, drawn up in accordance with a minis
terial decree of April 2 last, for the national celebration in Portugal of Vasco da
Gama’s voyage to India. The main features of the celebration will be those already
sketched in the preliminary programme (Journal, vol. viii. p. 303), but the dates
now fixed for the public rejoicings are the 17th to the 20th of May, 1898. At day
break on the 17th, all the Portuguese fortresses and war-vessels will fly the national
flag and usher in the festivities by a salvo of one hundred guns; the thanksgiving
services in the cathedrals and churches will also be held at the same time. Among
the varied items of the commemoration will be an exhibition, on the site of which
a permanent “maritime and fluvial aquarium” will be built, and a grand naval
review, in which both foreign governments and the principal steamship companies
and commercial associations throughout the world will be asked to take part. The
headquarters of the Central Executive Committee, and the place of meeting of the
scientific congresses, etc., are at the new buildings of the Lisbon Geographical.
Society. The president of the committee is Captain F. J. Ferreira do Amaral, and-
the secretaries are Senhors L. Cordeiro and E. de Vasconcellos.