RESEARCH WORK.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18462, 17 August 1925, Page 3

RESEARCH WORK.

AUSTRALIAN INTERIOR. MOTOR EXPEDITIONS. IFROM oca OWX COHRESrONDEXT.) SYDNEY, August 7. lhat the exploration, of Australia is not a dead letter is proved by the presence of several expeditions in tho interior of the continent. But where tho old-timo explorer went on foot through unknown parts, the modern explorer makes his way in motor vehicles. The two most important expeditious are those commanded by Mr Michael Terry, of which Lord Apsley, a British M.P., is a member, and by Mr Lanee le Soeuf. The Terry expedition is using cars with a caterpillar drive, and as it is mainly a "stunt" journey to prove the efficacy of this type of car for the rough outback, much of tho ivalue of the expedition is removed, although valuable discoveries might be made. On the other hand, the expedition commanded by Mr le Souef is one of pure research, and if the anticipated results arc achieved, much valuable knowledge might be gained for the material adv|ncement of the Commonwealth. Mr le Souef's Plans. Mr le Souef began this work in West Australia several years ago. His present aim is to investigate the possibilities of developing the Central Australian regions, mainly as regards woolgrowing. Evidence will be. collected from stations already established in the area, and analyses of soil and water will be undertaken. Mr le Souef will thoroughly test the territory from west to cast, in the hope of finding subterranean water supplies. He thinks that there is probably a subterranean stream in these regions, and if such a stream is discovered by the expedition, it will have far-reaching effects on the development of an immense area. Plaut life will be collected for classification, and the distribution of animal aud bird life on the tableland will be viewed as having a direct bearing on the stock-carry-ing capacity of the country. Another of the studies of the expedition will he the pests of the' regions, such as the dingo and rabbit, together with their relation'to stock. Birds and Animal Study. Mr le Souef comes front a family which has devoted itself to the study of zoological and natural history. His father was for a quarter of a century Director of the Zoological Gardens in Melbourne, and a brother, Mr Dudley le Souef, occupied this position from 1902 until his death in 1923. Mr Dudley le Souef mado a life-long study of the birds and animals of Australia. Another brother, Mr E. le Souef, is in charge of the Perth Zoological Gardens, and a third, Mr Sherbournc le Souef, is director of the Sydney Zoo at Taronga Park, and he has played a large part in making it what is proclaimed as the finest of its kind in the world. Mr Lance le Souef spent some years in zoological and acclimatisation work in West Australia, and then set out on research work. He has made a careful study of his investigations, and intends, at some future date, to publish his experiences and the results of his studies.