XVI REPORT—1846. 
of prosecuting many physical inquiries which otherwise would 
not have been entered upon. 
“© 3, Because the establishment has already become a point of interest 
to scientific foreigners, several of whom have visited it. 
“4, Because the grant of the occupancy of the building by Her Ma- 
jesty, at the earnest request of the British Association, is an in- 
stance of Her Majesty’s interest in, and approval of, the objects 
of the Association, 
“5, Because, if the Association at the present time relinquish the 
establishment, it will probably never again be available for the 
purposes of science. 
“6. Because it appears, both from the publications of the British As- 
sociation and from the records in progress at the establishment, 
that a great amount of electrical and meteorological observation 
has been and continues to be made, and that a systematic inquiry 
into the intricate subject of atmospheric electricity has been car- 
ried out by Mr. Ronalds, which has been productive of very ma- 
terial improvements in that subject, and has in effect furnished 
the model of the processes conducted at the Royal Observatory ; 
and because these inquiries are still in progress under local cir- 
cumstances extremely favourable. 
“7, Because other inquiries into the working of self-registering ap- 
paratus, both meteorological and magnetical, are in actual pro- 
gress at the establishment, and that there is a distinct prospect 
of the facilities it affords being speedily much more largely pro- 
fited by. 
“*8. Because the access to the Observatory from London to Members 
of the Association will shortly be greatly improved by railroads, 
and because the local facilities and conveniences of the esta« 
blishment have been very greatly enhanced by alterations in its 
relations to the Commissioners of Woods and Forests. 
“J. F. W. Herscuet, Chairman.” 
In presenting this Report to the General Committee, the Council requests 
that it may be understood to convey also the opinion of the Council. 
4. The Council has received a letter from the honorary Secretary of the 
Literary and Philosophical Institution at Cheltenham, expressing, on the part 
of the Members of that Institution, deep regret that “ circumstances have 
arisen which render uncertain their being able to give the British Association 
that welcome and generous reception which it would be their desire to do, 
and which they last year felt that they would have done had the Association 
been so circumstanced as to have accepted the invitation for the summer of 
1846.” 
5. The Council has been informed by a letter from W. H. Grove, Esq., 
F.R.S., that a deputation has been appointed by the Mayor and Corporation 
of Swansea, the principal inhabitants, magistracy and country gentlemen of 
the neighbourhood, and by the Members of the Royal Institution of South 
Wales, to attend the Meeting at Southampton, for the purpose of inviting 
the British Association to hold their annual Meeting at Swansea at as early 
a period as may suit their convenience. 
Southampton, September 9, 1846, 
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