No summary, however brief, of the year would be complete without reference to the stupendous progress made in the conquest of the air. Daring the period under review we have witnessed a parti-the present the cost of a journey is a serious drawback. Anaccident to the French vessel "La Républiqae" in September testified, however, to the dangers still attending the conquest of the air. The aeroplane, or flying machine, on the other hand, has achieved a record which takes it, from a scientific point of.w, far beyond the lighter-than-air machine. On July 19 M. Tatham made the first attempt to fly across the English Channel, but failed after a flight of six miles. Night days Inter, this great feat was successfully performed by M. Blériot, who landed safely on English soil near Dover. From that date aeroplane flights have become the order of the day, and a series of successful meetings was held in France and England. On August 22 the first great meeting was inaugurated at Rheims, and be said to mark an epoch in the history of the world. M. Farman' established a world's record by flying 112 miles in three hours four minutes and fifty-six seconds. In England aviation meetings were held at Blackpool and at Doncaster, and clearly demons ated the ability of the aeroplane to take the air in rough weather. Aeronautics have now become a recognized department in the administrations of all the chief Powers, and a supplement tary estimate for £78,000 figured for the first time in British State papers. Grrmany and France already have their airship " fleets, and Great Britain has an aerial vessel under construction. Over sixty heavier-than-air machines, mostly of the aeroplane type, are under trial or building in England while in all par's of the world they are gradually entering into the every-day existence of the modern world.
Space will not allow a detailed account of the notable discoveries of the year; 1909 will always be associated with the North Pole and with the South Pole. To Commander R. F. Peary belongs the credit of having reached the former on April 6, while Lieutenant Ernest Shackelton reached Latitude 83° 23.'5, a point within ninety-seven miles of the South Pole, on January 9, 1909.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.