The Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to Western Australia

Abstract

IN the early part of last year plans were made for an -*- anthropological expedition to Western Australia, and Mr. A. R. Brown, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, who had been re-elected to the Anthony Wilkin studentship, was appointed leader, the main object of the expedition being to study the social organisation and magico-. religious beliefs and observances of the natives. Mr. Brown left England at the end of July, 1910. Soon after his arrival in Perth, mainly through the instrumentality of Mrs. D. M. Bates, a donation of 1000l. was made to the expedition by Mr. Samuel P. Mackay of that State. This munificent gift is a notable example of public spirit, and it proves that, despite the manifold claims of a very new State on its citizens, there are individuals who have the advancement of pure science at heart. The benefaction was particularly acceptable, as Mr. Brown's modest resources consisted only of the studentship, a gift of 200!. from Sir John Murray, and a grant from the Royal Society of 100l. Field investigation is very expensive in Australia, partly owing to the great distances that have to be traversed in order to come into contact with the natives, who even then may be in very small bands.