56 REPORT—1845. » 
There are however many points yet to be ascertained, which have grown out 
of the observations already made, and which are essential to our perfect 
acquaintance with the mutual relations and dependencies of the periodical 
variations; such, for example, as a more precise knowledge of the several 
turning periods of the different variations. These are now occupying atten- 
tion, and will require some further time. 2°. A meteorological record can 
scarcely be considered as otherwise than imperfect that does not show, with 
some satisfactory degree of approximation, the volume of air which, on the 
average of the year, passes the station of observation, and the direction in 
which it moves. For this purpose our instrumental means need, and are re- 
ceiving, further improvements. 3°. The investigations into the laws of storms 
have shown the importance of continuous records being made of the several 
meteorological phenomena at periods of great atmospherical disturbance : at 
Toronto in particular these are likely to be very valuable, on account of the 
excellent field afforded by the North American continent for the prosecution 
of this inquiry. 
I have named a few of the meteorological objects which are likely to be 
obtained by a prolongation of the term for which the observatories have been 
sanctioned. Other objects have been pointed out in the letters of several of 
the correspondents who have addressed the Committee. Those which I have 
mentioned are all more or less involved in the original instructions, though 
the instrumental means, or the methods of observation, required to carry them 
out, may not have been so clearly perceived then as they are now. Amongst 
these may also be classed, observations on the important subject of atmo- 
spherical electricity. 
I am of opinion, therefore,—with reference to the observatories originally 
recommended by the British Association,—that it is now desirable to recom- 
mend,— 
Ist. That the time for which the observatory at Toronto is sanctioned 
should be prolonged. 
Qnd. That the time for which the observatory at Van Diemen Island is 
sanctioned should also be prolonged; but that the establishment of that ob- 
servatory should be reduced to a director and one assistant, reducing the 
routine of daily observation proportionally. The personal establishment of this 
observatory is on a different footing from that of the Ordnance observatories, 
and the reduction will there be attended with a considerable saving of expense. 
3rd. That one, at least, of the observatories at the Cape of Good Hope and 
St. Helena should be continued. If the astronomical observatory at the Cape 
will undertake the monthly absolute magnetical determinations, and their con- 
nexion by means of the differential instruments, the Ordnance observatory at 
the Cape may be discontinued, and that at St. Helena maintained. 
Before I close this letter, I wish to advert to the expediency of extending 
the system of observation now in operation at Toronto, St. Helena, and the 
Cape of Good Hope, to other of the British colonies, where the same objects 
can be accomplished in an equally effective and economical manner. 
In cases where the institution of similar establishments is strongly urged 
by the governor of a colony,—where competent persons are present and dis- 
posed to superintend the observations,—and where soldiers of the artillery are 
stationed whose services may be available, and whose employment has now 
been shown to be economical and effective in a high degree in the execution 
of a laborious and exact routine of observation,—there is wanting only a sup- 
ply of instruments,—the temporary allotment of a building to contain them,— 
extra pay such as the individuals at the above-named observatories receive,— 
