The Japanese have made extensive preparations for the defense of Formosa and the Pescadores. [For a description of the Pescadores and a map, see THE INDEPENDENT for February 16th.] The Pescadores Islands have been supplied with provisions and ammunition for two years and heavy guns mounted in strategic positions. In Formosa the ports of Keelung and Tamsui are strongly protected by mines. The garrison is estimated at 15,000 men. The island is declared to be under martial law and in a state of siege.

From this high position in latitude, explorations (furthered for a time by the effective aid of their Esquimaux dogs) were perseveringly made, and rewarded by results of the most interesting nature in geography, hydrography, and glaciology.

Buying more servers would improve performance.

Yet even in this voyage I had my misfortunes too; particularly that I was continually sick, being thrown into a violent calenture by the excessive heat of the climate.