263 
respects the observations are very satisfactory. On the whole, a 
very complete body of results has been obtained with instruments 
carefully compared, and according to one uniform system ; and 
there is every reason to believe that it will prove a valuable contri- 
bution to the physical geography of Ireland. 
The Committee deeming it desirable that the Meteorological Ob- 
servations should not be discontinued, an application was recently 
made, on their suggestion, by the Council to the Ballast Board, re- 
questing that such observations should be made at certain of the 
light- houses, in addition to those at which observations were taken 
since the commencement of 1851. This application has been most 
favourably received by the Ballast Board ; and there is every reason 
to hope that arrangements will shortly be made by that body for a 
permanent system of Meteorological Observations upon the plan 
laid down by the Academy. 
As respects the expenses of the undertaking, the Committee are 
happy to be able to state that they have not exceeded the sum placed 
at their disposal by the Academy and by private subscription. The 
grant of the Academy, for the purchase and erection of the instru- 
ments, amounted to £225. Of this sum, £224 18s. 8d. was expended 
for that purpose; and the cost of printing, stationery, and other 
contingencies, amounted to £50 6s. 4d., making a total sum of 
£275 5s. paid by the Academy. The subscriptions (which were 
contributed to enable the Committee to offer gratuities to the men 
engaged in the laborious service of the Tidal Observations, and 
to defray sundry other incidental expenses) amounted to £126, of 
which sum £117 10s. 6d. has been expended, leaving a small ba- 
lance in hand. The total expenditure thus amounts to £392 15s. 6d., 
a detailed account of which is presented herewith.* 
The Committee cannot close their Report without bearing testi- 
mony to the care, fidelity, and skill displayed by the men connected 
with the Coast Guard Service to whom the observations were in- 
trusted by the inspecting officers. They are reluctant to name in- 
dividuals where all were deserving. But they cannot refrain from 
noticing specially the services of Mr. James Davis, chief boatman 
*See Appendix, No. IIL 
