28 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



sufiScieut to accomplish the end, and on this account immense masses of 

 physical observations are of little value to science. Even those 

 made by Parry, Ross, and the other explorers in the arctic regions 

 have not yet been subjected to the analytical processes by which all 

 the interesting truths relative to the physical geography of the globe 

 are to be deduced. It is in this line that the Smithsonian Institution 

 has especially rendered good service in the way of advancing science. 

 Of this fact the memoir in question, with those which the Institution 

 has published relative to the observations made by the expedition 

 under the direction of Dr. Kane, and that under Sir F. L. McClin- 

 tock, and the discussion of the observations made at Girard College 

 by Professor A. D. Bache, are obvious illustrations. 



For investigations of this kind the Institution has been fortunate in 

 obtaining the services of a computer so expert and sagacious as Mr. 

 Schott, since few persons are to be found who combine the varied 

 qualifications necessary to so difficult an undertaking. 



The results of the observations made under the direction of Dr. 

 Hayes are presented in four parts: the first relates tothe astronomi- 

 cal and geodetic; the second, to the magnetic; the third, to the tidal; 

 and the fourth, to the meteorological observations. 



The first part contains all the geographical positions determined 

 by the explorers, including a series of observations to ascertain the 

 latitude and longitude of Port Foulke, the winter quarters of the ex- 

 pedition in 1860-61; also a gen-eral survey of Kennedy channel, and 

 a minute survey of Smith's straits. The memoir presents a table of 

 eighteen geographical positions, all determined with astronomical ac- 

 curacy, by means of which, and the help of angles and solar bearings, 

 the outlines of a large map were traced. It is highly gratifying to 

 find, says Mr. Schott, that a remarkable agreement exists with the 

 prominent points observed during Kane's expedition, and, indeed, 

 that the exploration of Dr. Hayes is truly an extension and verifica- 

 tion of the labors of his predecessor in the same region. 



Nor is this all; it is proper to state that a new sound was dis- 

 covered, opening to the westward near Cape Sabine, and also that 

 two points noticed by Kane and described as headlands were found 

 to be parts of two islands at the entrance of a bay; also the shore- 

 line of Whale sound was fully developed, as well as the whole of the 

 western coast of Kennedy channel. All these results, with the posi- 

 tions of the glaciers, are exhibited on a general chart of the region^ 

 explored, and on a special chart of Smith's straits. 



The agreement of the results of the observations under Dr. Hayes 



