THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 147 



observation as cannot fail to reward us with new and interesting results. 

 It is proposed to organise a sj^stem of observations which shall extend 

 as far as possible over the North American continent ; and, in order to 

 do this, it will be necessary to engage the co-operation of the British 

 government. I have accordingly addressed a letter to Lieutenant Colo- 

 nel Sabine, Corresponding Secretary of the Royal Society, who assures 

 me that, as soon as the plan is fully matured for this country, there 

 will be no difficulty in establishing a system of corresponding observa- 

 vations in the British provinces. I have also addressed letters to seve- 

 ral gentlemen distinguished for their attainments in meteorology, asking 

 for suggestions as to the plan of observation ; and I beg leave to refer 

 the Board to the accompanying report of Professor Loomis, of New York 

 University, and also to the communication of Professor Espy, received 

 in answer. The former contains an exposition of the advantages which 

 may be derived from the study of meteorology, and what has been done 

 in this branch of science in this country, and what encouragement there 

 is for the further prosecution of the same subject, together with a gene- 

 ral plan of operations. The present time appears to be peculiarly 

 auspicious for commencing an enterprise of the proposed kind. The 

 citizens of the United States are now scattered over every part of the 

 southern and western portion of North America, and the extended lines 

 of telegraph will furnish a ready means of warning the more northern 

 and eastern observers to be on the watch for the first appearance of an 

 advancing storm. 



All which is respectfully submitted. 



JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary. 



To the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. 



