Dec. 8, 1856.] DEATH OF ADMIRAL BEECHEY. 217 



Mr. Field here exhibited the profile of the Atlantic ; and the bed of the ocean 

 was so level throughout the whole course, that, in making the Map, they had 

 to exaggerate the vertical scale so that the depth appeared ten times greater 

 than it actually was in proportion to the distances. The soundings were made 

 according to the weather, not actually at so many miles apart, but as near 

 as they could be made at stated distances. The deepest part was 2^ miles, or 

 2070 fathoms. This is nearly in the centre. When the plateau was discovered 

 by Lieutenant Maury, he denominated it the " telegraphic plateau." Mr. Field 

 here exhibited a portion of the cable. It was estimated that communications 

 could be transmitted through this cable, with the improved code, at the rate 

 of 30,000 words in 24 hours. The line was completed from New York to St. 

 John's, Newfoundland, a distance of 1710 miles as the line was laid ; and the- 

 president of that company had written to say that he had sent a message 

 through it, and had received a reply within 15 minutes. 



Mr. Field also exhibited specimens of the bottom of the Atlantic, brought up 

 from over two miles in depth. There were no rocks to injure the cable, for 

 the bottom of the ocean, throughout the whole distance, was composed of minute 

 shells, so small that to the naked eye they appeared like sand, but when 

 examined with a powerful microscope, they were seen to be most perfect in their 

 formation. This plateau was evidently formed by the great Gulf-stream, which 

 swept the Atlantic coast of the United States, and this being met by the cold 

 currents from the north, the minute marine animals of tropical origin were 

 probably killed, and their shells sunk to the bottom. 



In conclusion, Mr. Field said he would only repeat an observation which he 

 had made to a friend, that as on July 4th, 1776, the Americans had declared 

 their independence of Great Britain, before July 4th,. 1857, he hoped that they 

 would again be armexed. 



Third Meeting, Dec. 8, Session 1856-57. 



Sir RODERICK I. MURCHISON, Vice-President, in the Chair. 



Elections. — The Hon. W, F, Campbell ; Rear'Admiral the Hon. J, 

 Gordon ; Colonel Luke S. 0' Connor ; Lord Oranmore ; Sir William Stuart, 

 Bart,; and Robert Benson^ William Benson, Walter Bryant, J. George 

 Cooke, and John Costerton, Esqrs. were elected Fellows. 



The Chairman read the following letter, addressed to the Secre- 

 tary, from the brother of their late President, Rear- Admiral F. W, 

 Beechey : — 



8, We»tboume Crescent, Dec. 2, 1856. 

 Sm, — It is my painful duty to record the death of your President, my 

 brother, Eear- Admiral Frederick William Beechey, on the 29th ultimo. 



I remain. Sir, 

 Your obedient servant, 



S. Vincent Beechey, M.A. 

 The Secretary, Geographical Society. 



Sir R. Murchison next read the following notice on the subject of 

 Admiral Beechey's death : — 



