CHAP. I.] THE EQUIPMENT OF THE SHIP. 23 
their physical and biological conditions, along certain lines. 
Dr. Carpenter’s letter was referred in due course to the hydrog- 
rapher to the navy, who at once threw himself cordially into 
the project and prepared a report, which resulted in the Lords 
of the Admiralty agreeing to the dispatch of such an expedi- 
tion if the Royal Society recommended it, and provided them 
with a feasible scheme. A committee was appointed by the 
Royal Society, and a comprehensive scheme was drawn up. 
The sagacious minister who at that time held the purse- 
strings regarded this as an important matter beyond the reach 
of private enterprise, and it was with the cordial assent of the 
House of Commons that Mr. Lowe agreed to defray from the 
public purse what additional funds might be required to equip 
a surveying ship in commission with all the necessary appli- 
ances for scientific research, and to associate with her comple- 
ment of scientific officers a civilian staff of specialists in de- 
partments which do not come within the scope of the ordinary 
work of naval surveyors. 
The Committee of the Royal Society, with Admiral Rich- 
ards as one of its most influential members, met from time to 
time and offered practical suggestions. The Challenger, a spar- 
decked corvette of 2306 tons, with auxiliary steam to 1234 
horse-power, and usually mounting eighteen 68-pounders, was 
chosen for the service; and Captain Nares, a surveying officer 
of great experience, and singularly well suited in every way for 
such a post, was selected to take command. When it was sug- 
gested to me at the commencement of the negotiations to join 
the expedition as director of the civilian scientific staff, the sac- 
rifice appeared in every way too great; but, as the various ar- 
rangements progressed, so many friendly plans were proposed 
on all hands to smooth away every difficulty, that I finally ac- 
cepted a post which to a younger naturalist, without the ties of 
a family and a responsible home appointment, would be per- 
haps among the most delightful the world could offer. 
