The Geographical Journal (Journal of the Royal Geographical Society): Volume X, No. 6 [‎87v] (27/186)

566
THE PRESIDENT’S OPENING ADDRESS.
period of his presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. will always be remembered for the energy
with which he advocated African exploration, the results of his efforts
being represented by the memorable expeditions of Joseph Thomson.
The recess has been signalized by the publication of two important
geographical works : the admirable monograph on British Central Africa,
by Sir Harry Johnston, with its fascinating chapters on the scenery and
the physical aspects of that region; and the ‘ First Crossing of Spits-
bergen,’ by Sir Martin Conway ; while we have ourselves brought out Sir
William Macgregor’s interesting paper on British New Guinea in the
form of a small volume.
There has also been much activity in the field, the fruits of which
you will, I trust, gather and enjoy during the coming session. In Africa,
Mr. ('avendish, who only completed his twenty-first year last May, has
made a very remarkable journey from Berbera, across the Somali country,
to the river Jub, and then inland to Lake Rudolf. He shares with the
late Captain Bottego the honour of being the first to explore the western
shores of that lake; he has collected important information respecting
the region between the basin of Lake Rudolf and the White Nile, has
helped to solve the problem of the Omo river, and has returned to the
coast at Mombasa. With regard to Siam, we may expect another com
munication from Mr. H. Warington Smyth, whose two previous papers
give us the assurance that it will be a valuable contribution to our
knowledge, as well as a source of pleasure to those who listen to it. In
Central Asia the labours of l)r. Sven Hedin, which have been continuous
during several years, are of great geographical importance. Among
other achievements, he has ascended Mustagata to a height of 20,000
feet, and mapped its glaciers; he has, at the utmost peril of his life,
crossed the desert of moving sandhills between the Yarkand and Khotan
rivers ; he has traversed a previously unknown route along the northern
lim of the great dibetan plateau ; and he has solved the geographical
problem relating to Lob Nor. We hope to have Hr. Sven Hedin with
us on the 22nd, when we shall listen to a paper of the deepest interest,
read by a young but most accomplished and enthusiastic geographer.
Dr. Sven lledm has devoted himself to the study of geography since he
was a boy at school, is a splendid linguist, and is well versed in all those
collateral studies which are required by those who wish to become real
adepts in our science.
Not less important and quite as interesting are the explorations now
being carried on in the Afridi country by our gallant associate, Sir
William Lockhart. A\ e must all feel enthusiastic on reading of the
skill and ability with which my old friend is conducting a most difficult
campaign, and of the brilliant dash and devotion of the Gordon High
landers and other troops who are serving under him. As Fellows^of
this Society, we rejoice that the success of our arms also entails successes
tor the cause of geography.