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66 THE ATLANTI C. CITAI'. I.
recent scientific investigations of the deep sea, carried on in
European waters by the Admiralty at the instance of the Eoyal
Society (Eeports of Avhich Avill be found in tlieir ‘ Proceedings
herewith enclosed), has led them to the conviction that advantages
of great importance to Science and to Navigation would
accrue from the extension of such investigations to the great
oceanic regions of tlie Globe. The President and Council
tlierefore venture to submit to tbeir Lordsliips’ favourable
consideration a proposal for fitting out an Expedition commensurate
to the objects in view; winch objects are brietiy
as follows :— , i 4. n
“ (1) The pliysical conditions of the deep sea througiiont ail
the great Ccean-basiiis.
“ (2) The chemical constitution of tlie water at various
depths from tlie surface to tiie bottom.
“ (3) The pliysical and chemical characters of the deposits.
“ (4) The distribution of organic life throughout the areas
explored.
“ For effectively carrying out these researches there would, in
the opinion of the President and Council, be required—
“ (1) A ship of sufficient size to afford accommodation and
storage-room for sea-voyages of considerable length and for
probable absence of four years. , . u
“ (2) A staff of scientific men qualified to take charge ot the
several branches of investigation.
“ (3) A supply of everything necessary for the collection ot
the objects of research, for the prosecution of the physical and
chemical investigations, and for the study and preservation of
the specimens of organic life. ^ ^
“ The President and Council hope that, in the event of their
recommendation being adopted, it may be possible for the
Expedition to leave England some time in the year 1872 ; and
they would suggest that as its organization will require much
time and labour, no time should be lost in the commencement
of preparations.
“ The President and Council desire to take this opportunity
of expressing their readiness to render every assistance in their
CIIAI'. I. THE EQUIPMENT OF THE SHIP. 67
power to sucli an niidertakiiig; to advise upon (1) the route
whicli might be followed by tlie Expedition, (2) the scientific
eqnipnient, (3) the composition of the scientific staff, (4) the
instructions for that staff; as well as upon any matter connected
with the Expedition npon which their Lordships might
desire their opinion.
“ Tlie President and Council liave abstained from any allusion
to geographical discovery or liydrograpliical investigations,
for whicli the proposed Expedition wiil doubtless afford abundant
opportunity, because tlieir Lordsliips will doubtless be
better judges of wliat may be conveniently undertaken in these
respects, without departing materially from the primary objects
of the voyage; and they would only add their hope that, in
accordance with the precedents followed by this and other
countries under somewhat similar circumstances, a full account
of the voyage and its scientific results may be published under
the auspices of the Government as soon after its return as convenient,
the necessary expense being defrayed by a grant from
the Treasury.
“ The President and Council desire, in conclusion, to express
their willingness to assist in tlie preparation for such publication
of the scientific results.
“ I remain,” &c.,
Pesolved,—That the appointment of the Committee proposed
in the Eeport be deferred until an answer has been received
from the Government.
March 21.si, 1872.
Eead the following communication from the Admiralty;—
“ A d m i r a l t y , 2nd March, 1872.
“ Sir,— In reply to your Letter of the 8th of December, 1871,
conveying a representation from the President and Council of
the Poyal Society that advantages of great importance to Science
and Navigation would result from equipping an Expedition for
the Examination of the Physical Conditions of the Deep Sea
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