#1
64 t h e ATLANTI C.
“ 3. To ascertain the P /ip c « /a n d CW'/Ju'tYt/ characters ot the
Deposits everywhere in progress on the Sea-bottom; and to
trace, so far as may be possible, tbe sources of those deposits.
“ 4. To examine the Distribution of Organic Life throughout
the areas traversed, especially in the deep Ocean-bottoms and at
different depths; with especial reference to the Physical and
Chemical conditions already referred to, and to the coimectioii
of the present with the past condition of the Globe.
“ I t is suggested that the Expedition should leave this country
in the latteiMialf of the year 1872 ; and as its perfect organization
will require much time and labour, it is desirable that
suitable preparations should be commenced forthwith.
“ Eor effectively carrying out the objects just specified, there
will be required ;—
“ 1. A Ship of sufficient size to furnish ample accommodation
and storage-room for sea-voyages of considerable length and for
a probable absence of four years.
“ 2. A Staff of Scientific Men, qualified to take charge of the
several branches of investigation above enumerated.
“ 3. An ample supply of all that will be required for the Collection
of the objects of research; for the prosecution of Physical
and Chemical investigations ; and for the study and preservation
of the various forms of Organic Life which will be obtained.
“ The Committee would propose that in making this Application
to the Admiralty, the President and Council should offer tlieir
services in suggesting the Eoiite which may appear to be most
desirable for the Expedition to pursue; and also in framing
lustrnctions for the Officers charged with the several branches
of Scientific Eesearch ; with a view to facilitate the preparation
by their Lordsliips of their general Instructions for the conduct
of the Voyage to the Naval Officers commanding.
“ With this object they would propose that a Committee
should be appointed by the Council, which should include
persons thoroughly versed in the various branches of Science to
be represented in tbe Expedition, wiio siionld give tlieir advice
and assistance previous to and during the progress of the
Expedition.
“ The President and Council should also express their readiness
to select and recommend to tlieir Lordships persons qualified
to be entrusted with the various branches of Scientific investigation
to be represented, naming the Salaries which may appear
to them commensurate with the duties to be fulfilled.
“ The President and Council should also, in the opinion of
this Committee, recommend that, in accordance with former
precedents in regard to Expeditions of a similar character undertaken
hy this and other Governments, a full and complete
publication of the results of the Voyage with adequate illustrations
should form a part of the general plan ; and tliat the
work should be brought out as soon after the return of the
Expedition as may be convenient.
“ It may be well to point out to the Admiralty, that the
operations of the Expedition now proposed should not dispense
with snch researches of a less laborious character as their Lordships
might he disposed to make from time to time from either
the home or the foreign stations of the British Navy.”
Eesolved,—That this Eeport be received, and be taken into
consideration at the next Meeting of Council
December 7th, 1871.
The Eeport of the Committee on the subject of a Scientific
Circumnavigation Voyage, received at the last Meeting, having
been taken into consideration, it was
Eesolved,—Tliat application be made to Her Majesty’s
Government, as recommended by the Committee, and that
the following Draft of a Letter to be addressed by the
Secretary to the Secretary of the Admiralty be approved:—
“ To the Secretary of the Admiralty.
“ T h e E o t a l S o c ie t y , B u r l in g t o n H o u s e ,
“ December 8th, 1871.
“ S i r ,— I am directed by the President and Council of the
Eoyal Society to request that yon will represent to the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty that the experience of the
L >i