Geographical Notes

Abstract

DR. R. VON LENDENFELD, in a letter to Prof. Cayley dated Sydney, January 24, 1885, writes as follows:—I have been sent by the Geological Survey Department of this colony to make a scientific investigation of the central part of the Australian Alps and have returiied a few days ago. I found out that the peak, considered as the highest hitherto, which has been measured by several scientists and named Mount Kosciusko, is not the highest, and made the first ascent of the highest peak some distance further south. I calculated the height of the latter at 7256 feet (Mount Kosciusko has been measured at 7176, 7175, and, by myself, at 7171 feet). I name this hill after our celebrated geologist, the Rev. W. B. Clarke, Mount Clarke. Further, I discovered indubitable signs of prehistoric glaciers above 5800 feet, and photographed some beautiful roches moutonnées. A large valley was filled at the glacial period by a glacier extending 500 feet up its sides. I had excellent weather, and photographed the panorama from the summit of Mount Kosciusko. I had one guide and a geological assistant with me. We camped only three nights, and had glorious weather all the time. The upper limit of trees lies at a height of 5900 feet. Patches of snow are found attached to the leeside of the main range above 6500 feet all the year round—in the European Alps such little névés would not lie below 8000 feet—another proof for the lower temperature and greater amount of wet south of the equator, as our Alps lie 46°–48° N., and Mount Kosciusko 37° S. I collected many flowers and geological specimens, and found the whole trip equally enjoyable and interesting. It froze every night, and I cannot tell you how happy and comfortable I felt in the brisk cold air up there, after having been confined to the hothouse climate of Sydney for a year.