98 
made fast to the solid rock. The zero of the tide-gauge is 31°88 
feet below the bench-mark at the foot of the flag-staff. 
The meteorological instruments are placed in the guard-house, 
close to the tide-gauge. The cistern of the barometer is 7-0 feet 
below the bench-mark. The diameter of the tube is 0°26 of an inch. 
The time at this station is found by means of a brass gnomon, 
placed on the sill of the guard-house window, and a dipleidoscope 
belonging to the officer in command of the station. 
In addition to the foregoing stations organized by the Academy, 
meteorological observations are also taken, on the plan laid down by 
the Council, at the Magnetical Observatory, Trinity College, Dublin ; 
at the Observatory of Armagh, under the direction of Dr. Robinson ; 
at the Observatory of Markree, under the direction of Edward J. 
Cooper, Esq.; at the Queen’s Colleges of Belfast and Galway ; at 
Portarlington, by Dr. Hanlon; and at Athy, by Alfred Haughton, 
Esq. There are thus, in all, eighteen meteorological, and twelve. 
tidal stations, co-operating in the plan of the Academy. 
It remains to say a few words of the financial position of this 
important undertaking. 
The sum of £225 has been voted by the Academy, in two se- 
parate grants, for the purchase and erection of the instruments. 
This sum has been expended; and a detailed account of the ex- 
penditure is herewith laid before the Council.* Other sources of 
expenditure, not originally contemplated, have, however, arisen. 
The duties of the men employed in the tidal observations being 
very onerous, the Committee deem it important that they should be 
enabled to offer a moderate pecuniary reward to those observers 
who shall discharge them faithfully. In addition to this, other 
contingent expenses have been in¢urred, arising from accidental in- 
juries to the instruments, and other causes. 
To defray these additional expenses, a further sum of about £200 
will be required; and, as the financial resources of the Academy 
are not such as to afford so large an outlay, .it is proposed to raise 
it by subscription. A circular has accordingly been prepared, and 
is now in course of circulation, inviting the friends -of science in 
he Academy, and in the country generally, to contribute, and thus 
* See Appendix, No. I. 
