xii PREFACE. 
diate depths was examined by the use of the tow-net variously 
adjusted. 
7. At most stations a series of temperature observations were 
made at different depths from the surface to the bottom. 
8. At many stations samples of sea-water were obtained from 
different depths. 
9. In all cases atmospheric and other meteorological condi- 
tions were carefully observed and noted. 
10. The direction and rate of the surface-current were deter- 
mined. 
11. At a few stations an attempt was made to ascertain the 
direction and rate of movement of water at different depths. 
The somewhat critical experiment of associating a party of 
civilians, holding to a certain extent an independent position, 
with the naval staff of a man-of-war, has for once been success- 
ful. Captain Nares and Captain Thomson both fully recog- 
nized that the expedition was intended for scientific purposes, 
and I do not think that in one single case the operations of the 
combined scientific staff were hampered in the least by avoida- 
ble service routine. All the naval officers, without exception, 
assisted the civilian staff in every way in their power, and in 
the most friendly spirit. If I wished any thing done I had only 
to consider who was the man, naval or civilian, who was likely 
to do it best; and the consequence has been that, with the en- 
tire sanction of Captain Nares and Captain Thomson, the parties 
sent to camp out or detailed for any special service have always 
been mixed, to the great advantage, I believe, of all concerned. 
My thanks are perhaps more specially due to Commander 
Maclear and the first lieutenant for the wonderful temper with 
which they tolerated all the irregularities, some of them very 
trying to the ministers of cleanliness and order, which were in- 
separable from the peculiar nature of our ¢mperiwm in imperio ; 
