Notes

Abstract

THE Germans, we are glad to see, have finally decided to send out a second expedition to the east coast of Greenland. It is to consist of two steam-vessels, of 300 tons burden, each manned by thirty men; one to explore Greenland, while the other advances to the north pole. The estimated cost is about 50,000l. sterling, and the expedition is to leave in June 1875 or June 1876, according as the money can be got together. There is no hint that the German Government is to lend assistance, though we hope it will do something, after such a good example has been set by our own Government. It would be a splendid and healthy outlet for national rivalry to have these two expeditions start this year, each doing its best to win the Arctic campaign, and striving to be the first to unfurl its particular national flag over the long-fought-for goal. At all events, during the next two or three years we ought to hear of some fine conquests having been made in the far north. The preparations for our own expedition are steadily progressing. Commander Markham, R.N., arrived on Tuesday at Portsmouth.