CHAP. I11.] THE CRUISES OF THE ‘ PORCUPINE,’ Tse 
The following Draft of a Letter to be transmitted by the Secre- 
tary to the Secretary of the Admiralty was approved :— 
“THe Roya Soctery, BurLtiIncron House, 
{ ** February 18, 1869. 
“ Str,—Referring to the ‘ Preliminary Report’ by Dr. Carpenter 
of the Results of the Deep-Sea Exploration carried on during 
the brief Cruise of Her Majesty’s Steam-vessel ‘ Lightning’ in 
August and September last, which has already been transmitted 
for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty—I am directed by the President and Council of the 
Royal Society to state that, looking to the valuable information 
obtained from these Marine Researches, although comparatively 
restricted in duration and extent, they deem it most desirable, 
in the interests of Biological and Physical Science, and in no 
small degree also for the advancement of Hydrographical know- 
ledge, that a fresh exploration should be entered upon in the 
ensuing summer, and extended over a wider area; and they now 
desire earnestly to recommend the matter to the favourable con- 
sideration of My Lords, in the hope that the aid of Her Majesty’s 
Government, which was so readily and liberally bestowed last 
year, may be afforded to the undertaking now contemplated, for 
which such support would be indispensable. 
“Tn favour of the practicability and probable success of the 
proposed fresh exploration, I am directed to explain that the 
objects to be aimed at, as well as the course to be followed and 
the measures to be employed for their attainment, have mainly 
been suggested by the observations made and the experience 
gained in the last Expedition. 
“Further information as to the proposed exploration will be 
found in the Report, herewith transmitted, of a Committee to 
whose consideration the subject was referred by the Council. 
“Tt is understood that the requisite Scientific Apparatus and 
the remuneration of the Assistants to be employed would be 
provided by the Royal Society. With regard to the apphances 
which Her Majesty's Government may be asked to provide, the 
experience of the previous Expedition will furnish adequate 
guidance, whenever the general scheme may be approved. It 
