Journal of the Horn Scientific Exploring Expedition, 1894…. / Maps to Accompany the Journal of the Horn Scientific Exploring Expedition, 1894.

Rare first edition of the public account of the Horn Scientific Exploring Expedition by C. Winnecke, with the accompanying maps in their original blue paper covers.

With very large map folding on four sheets, measuring an impressive 1300mm x 1335mm in excellent condition. Usually found with significant tears and repairs.

The purpose of the expedition was primarily to investigate the natural history of central Australia. It was a joint venture between the Universities of Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. William Horn, pastoralist and mining magnate, sponsored the Expedition and accompanied it in its early stages. Under the leadership of Charles Winnecke, the party went north from Oodnadatta through the Finke River region to Alice Springs, then to the MacDonnell Ranges. They relied on the assistance and goodwill of the Arrernte and Luritja people through whose lands they travelled. The Expedition was notable for its zoological collections, which included over 170 unknown species, and the first fish collected from central Australia. By agreement these specimens were dispersed across a number of institutions: many of the mammals are in the Museum Victoria. Baldwin Spencer’s reflections on faunal distribution in central Australia greatly influenced subsequent biogeographical studies. Significant collections of ethnographic material were also made.

Scientific personnel of the Expedition were: Charles Winnecke (leader, surveyor and meteorologist); Baldwin Spencer (zoology and photography); Edward Stirling (medical officer and anthropology); Ralph Tate (geology and botany); John Watt (geology and mineralogy); George Keartland (ornithology and collector); Francis Belt (collector, nephew of Horn). Frank Gillen, of the Alice Springs telegraph office, was of material assistance in anthropological matters and forged an ongoing and fruitful alliance with Spencer.

Maps:
[1]. Survey of Hermannsburg Mission Station the Northern Territory of South Australia [signed] Cha. Winnecke   (823mm x 580mm)
[2]. Meteorological chart for year 1894 May-July [signed] Cha. Winnecke   (402mm  x 651mm)
[3]. Topographical survey of Mount Watt [signed] Cha. Winnecke   (465mm x 422mm)
[4]. Map showing the route of the Horn Scientific Exploring Expedition in the Northern Territory of South Australia … [signed] Cha. Winnecke.   (130mm x 1335mm)