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190 



a theoretical point of view, but also in its direct reference to navigation and 

 the various geodetical operations of civil and mihtary life. A resolution 

 of Congress, authorizing the exploration of the mineral lands adjacent to 

 the great lakes, has given to us the means of advancing this branch of 

 knowledge with but liule expenditure of the funds of tlie institution. The 

 Secretary of the Treasury readily agreed to the proposition that there 

 should be added to tlie mineralogical and geological surveys of these 

 regions, determinations of the dip, the variation, and the intensity of the 

 magnetic f )rces, provided that tlie Smithsonian Institution would furnish 

 one set of the instruments, and take charge of the direcdon of the obser- 

 vations, and of reducing and publishing them. In the survey of the min- 

 eral lands in the vicinity of lake iVlichigan under Dr. Jackson, Dr. Locke, 

 of Cincinnati, has been employed with his own apparatus; and to supply 

 the necessary instruments for the survey in Wisconsin, preliminary steps 

 have been taken to procure other instruments from London. 



Another subject of research mentioned in the programme, and wiiich has 

 been urged upon the immediate attention of the institution, is that of an ex- 

 tensive system of meteorological observations, particularly with reference 

 to the phenomena of American storms. Of late years, in our country, 

 more additions have been made to meteorology than to any other branch 

 of physical science. Several important generalizations have been arrived at, 

 and definite theories proposed, which now enable us to direct our attendon, 

 with scientific precision, to such points of observation as cannot fail to 

 reward us with new and interesting results. It is proposed to organize a 

 system of observations which shall extend as far as possible over the 

 North American continent; and in order to this, it will be necessary to en- 

 gage the co-operation of the British government. I have accordingly ad- 

 dressed a letter on this subject to Lieutenant Colonel Sabine, corresponding 

 secretary of the Royal Society, who assures me that, as soon as tlie plan 

 is fully matured for this country, there will be no ditficuky in establishing 

 a system of corresponding observations in the British provinces. I have also 

 addres.'^ed letters to several gentlemen distinguished for their attainments in 

 meteorology, asking for suggestions as to iheplan of observation; and 1 beg 

 leave to refer the board to the accompanying report of Prof Loomis, of New 

 York University, and also to the conmnmication of Prof. Espy, received in 

 answer. (Appendix Nos. 2 and 3.) 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 general 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, 



Secreta?'!/. 



To the Regents of the Simthso7iian Institution. 



