The Antarctic Region

It is a curious fact that while enormous sums of money and property of great value have been appropriated and used in exploring the more northerly portions of this globe little or no attention has been giveu to the extreme southern part. Of late, bowever, the eyes of explorers have been turned antarcticward, and expeditions are being sent. out to determine various debatabJe qnestions that have arisen concerning this country. No human foot, as far as known, has ever approached nearer to the south pole than 720 miles. The ice is said to far exceed that found at the north pole, and greateriifflculties are apprehended than arctic explorers have ever encountered. Vegetation ceases at about 58 degrees, no man has yet been met with eouth of 56 degrees, and the country is destitute of land animáis south of 68 degrees. Mountains with towering peaks have been discovered, and volcanoes are thought to be numerous. Whether the intense heat of the latter may exert any influence upon the cliinate in their vicinity is a question of