by further observations. The party was unfortunately prevented from reaching the top of Mount St. Elias by severe storms, but the ascent was so nearly accomplished that Mr. Russell is confident he found a practicable route; and it seems probable that had he been started ten days or two weeks earlier the first ascent of Mount St. Elias would have been recorded as a part of the work of the expedition. The full report of this expedition is now nearing completion, and will be published by the Society at an early date. To this I must refer you for the interesting details, and experiences encountered by the explorers. The expedition was organized by the Society, but in congratulating ourselves we should not forget that our thanks are due to the United States Geological Survey for the assignment of officers to conduct the work in the field and for assistance rendered in the organization; and we may hope the substantial results that have been secured will prove as pleasing to that great national work as they are to your board of managers. _Washington, January 23, 1891_. VOL. III, PP. 41-52, MAY 1, 1891 THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE GEOGRAPHY OF THE AIR ANNUAL REPORT BY VICE-PRESIDENT A. W. GREELY [Illustration: National Geographic Society seal] WASHINGTON PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Price 25 Cents. {41} VOL. III, PP. 41-52, MAY 1, 1891 THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE GEOGRAPHY OF THE AIR. ANNUAL REPORT BY VICE-PRESIDENT A. W. GREELY. (_Presented to the Society January 23, 1891._) In fulfilling the duties growing out of his official position in connection with this Society, your Vice-President of the Geography of the Air has been so closely occupied with executive and other official duties devolving upon him as to preclude his giving that amount of time and labor to this annual report that the subject merits. Indeed, no report would be submitted this year had it not seemed better to insure a continuity of these annual addresses, even if one of them might not be up to the high standard which should be maintained for them.