osed that the northeast and central part of
this great island, which are the parts still unknown, can be best
reached through the assistance of the Dutch traders at Macassar on the
island of Celebes, where the expedition will touch on its way. It seems
probable that entering from the east side, with the proper guides and
interpreters, the interior of the island can be reached and explored,
and perhaps a party may be able to reach the west coast. Borneo is less
known than Central Africa, and there is a grand opportunity here for
Americans to solve the great problem of its interior lakes and
plateaus. A journey through an unexplored country like this cannot fail
also to give opportunity for collecting many new species of animals and
plants. From Borneo the expedition will make its way to the Philippine
islands, where there is great room still for discovery, not only in
natural history, but also in fixing the geographical knowledge of the
islands, which is at present very faulty. Several of the larger islands
of the group are entirely unknown in respect to their animal and
vegetable life. From the Philippines the expedition will go to the
island of Formosa, off the coast of China. This island is rich in
objects of interest to the naturalist, and the east and central parts
of the island are unknown. There are Chinese traders who visit the west
coast for the purpose of trade with the natives, and through their help
there is no doubt that much new work can be done in that locality. The
expedition will then visit Canton, and some others of the coast towns
of China, and begin its return voyage by way of Singapore, which is a
depot for all that is rare and curious in the East. Ceylon will then be
touched at, and the expedition will pass through the Red sea and Suez
canal. It is intended to spend some time in the Mediterranean in
visiting various places of interest, and to return home by way of
England. The voyage is expected to occupy two years' time, and to cost
students $2,500 per year, this sum paying costs of expeditions inland
and everything except personal expenses, clothing, etc. All the
collections made will belong to those who make them." This plan seems
to follow about the same line as Mr. Steere's own journey, and it would
certainly be a great advantage to the excursionists to be under the
guidance of an explorer who has so lately been over the ground. We
believe the company is nearly completed.

A similar trip is pro