78 THE ATLANTIC. [ CHAP. I. 
vestigations, and for the study and preservation of the specimens of or- 
ganic life. 
“The President and Council hope that, in the event of their recom- 
mendation being adopted, it may be possible for the expedition to leave 
England some time in the year 1872; and they would suggest that as 
its organization will require much time and labor, no time should be 
lost in the commencement of preparations. 
“The President and Council desire to take this opportunity of ex- 
pressing their readiness to render every assistance in their power to 
such an undertaking; to advise upon (1) the route which might be fol- 
lowed by the expedition, (2) the scientific equipment, (3) the composi- 
tion of the scientific staff, (4) the instructions for that staff; as well as. 
upon any matter connected with the expedition upon which their lord- 
ships might desire their opinion. 
“The President and Council have abstained from any allusion to 
geographical discovery or hydrographical investigations, for which the 
proposed expedition will doubtless afford abundant opportunity, because 
their lordships will doubtless be better judges of what may be conven- 
iently undertaken in these respects, without departing materially from 
the primary objects of the voyage; and they would only add their hope 
that, in accordance with the precedents followed by this and other coun- 
tries under somewhat similar circumstances, a full account of the voy- 
age and its scientific results may be published under the auspices of the 
Government as soon after its return as convenient, the necessary ex- 
pense being defrayed by a grant from the Treasury. 
“The President and Council desire, in conclusion, to express their 
willingness to assist in the preparation for such publication of the sci- 
entific results. I remain, etc.” 
Resolved, That the appointment of the Committee proposed in the 
Report be deferred until an answer has been received from the 
Government. 
March 21st, 1872. 
Read the following communication from the Admiralty : 
“ ApiraLty, 2d March, 1872. 
“Sir,—In reply to your letter of the 8th of December, 1871, con. 
veying a representation from the President and Council of the Royal 
Society that advantages of great importance to science and navigation 
