THE POLAR EXPEDITION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1239, 28 August 1875, Page 3

THE POLAR EXPEDITION.

In the sphere of science, there is at present the mo*t unwearied perseverance and activity. It is very evident from tho frequent reports We get of fresh discoveries that the characteristic spirit of the present ajjeis pre-eminently the fcientilic spirit. Hardly are the several expeditions which were sent out in the interests of astronomy to observe the transit of Venus and the total eclipse of the sun, homewardbonnd, ere the two ships Discovery and Alerfc are fairly under weigh for the realm of ice. In giving Captain Nnres the comnv.md of this important expedition, Iho British Admiralty has not only gracefully acknowledged tho success of the late Challenger explorations, but has placed in a post of groat honour a man who, in a secondary position, prorcd himself r>ne of the most successful members of the Resolute Polar Expedition, sent out under the command of Captain M'Cliutook. The departments of botany, zoology, and geology, of the expedition are placed in charge of two able naturalises, specially recommended by the Hoyal Society. The Royal Society has also undertaken the pleasing task of preparing and furnishing each member of the expedition with a manual, giving outline lessons and directions in geology, natural history, and ethnology. The Royal Geographical Society has undertaken a similar responsibility in the interests of its special branch of physical science. The British Government has applied to the Washington Government for permission for tho expedition to use, if nece.»sary, the stores left for future use by the Ame- ican Polaris Expedition on withdrawing from the Arctic regions. Whatever can be accomplished by well-tried practical experience and the most advanced theoretical Fcientific knowledge united, supported by British endurance and British bravery, we have, at lea°t, reason to hope, will be accomplished by the present Polar Expedition.