XX REPORT—1848, 
phic self-registering processes which Mr. Ronalds has applied to the several 
objects of magnetic and meteorological observation—processes which (with- 
out reference to, or comparison with, what may have been doing simulta- 
neously elsewhere or by others) appear to the Committee of much value and 
importance to the future progress of meteorological and magnetic inquiry ; 
and, 2ndly, on the valuable series of electrical observations which have 
now been made during five years, and during the last three and a half at 
2-hourly intervals day and night uninterruptedly, with observations also at 
sunrise and sunset. As these observations afford what it is presumed are not 
to be found at all, or at all events not for so long and consecutive a series, 
distinct numerical values of the electrical tension comparable at least inter se, 
the Committee have considered that they ought to undergo regular and 
complete reduction and discussion, with a view to eliciting from them the 
laws of the phenomena; and on this subject they have conferred with Mr. 
Birt, who has submitted to them a plan of reduction which they regard as 
satisfactory, and which he is willing to execute on a grant of £50 being made 
to him for that purpose ;, a sum which they consider not excessive, and which 
they strongly recommend the Council to propose to the general body at the 
ensuing meeting. 
On the subject of the comparability of these results with those obtained, 
or to be hereafter obtained at Greenwich or elsewhere, it certainly would be 
desirable that some distinct series of comparative trials should be made; and 
the Committee would have considered the execution of such a series an im- 
portant practical object to be accomplished during the next year of the con- 
tinuance of the observatory, but for considerations which it is now their duty 
to state. 
The question as to the expediency of continuing the present expenditure 
of the establishment has occupied the anxious attention of the Committee, 
conceiving that the Council, by making mention of it in their resolution of 
April 14, is desirous of having their opinion on this head. In endeavouring 
to form a sound one, they have taken into consideration the state of the 
funds of the Association, and also the circumstances of the establishment 
itself, which they are of opinion cannot for the future, or even for a single 
additional year, be carried on in a manner satisfactory to the Association on 
so low a scale of expenditure as that which, by a fortunate conjunction of 
personal circumstances eminently favourable, has hitherto been found prac- 
ticable ; and that in fact, to carry out fully some of the most important 
objects which have all along been contemplated in its occupation by the 
Association, a very considerable increase of outlay would, in their opinion, 
be annually necessary. Such increase however, in the actual state of the 
funds of the Body, they are by no means prepared to recommend—since 
they perceive that even the present expenditure (could they guarantee that 
it shall not be exceeded) must prove a drain upon those funds for which the 
amount of scientific advantage to be expected from it on a scale of action so 
limited, will not be held an adequate return. Entertaining this view of the 
matter, and conceiving it equally inexpedient either to attempt to raise by 
private subscription an annual amount adequate to the object, or to apply 
to Government for aid (although they consider it by no means impossible 
that ere long the exigences of the public service may require an establish- 
ment, having for its object some of the mostimportant of those contemplated 
in this), they see no course open but to recommend its discontinuance from 
the earliest period at which it shall be found practicable, leaving it to the 
. 
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