690 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION E. 
obtained lead the writer to suspect that errors are frequently 
made in observing sea temperatures, either by withdrawing the 
thermometer from the water prior to noting the reading, in which 
case evaporation commences, and the reading obtained is too 
low, or by letting the sun’s rays reach the thermometer when in 
the water (usually contained in a bucket), in which case the 
reading will be too high. 
The information contained in the attached Tables is, of course, 
very incomplete, and the writer is fully aware that only by years 
of close observation and study can a full knowledge of Australian 
Oceanography be obtained. ‘That the study w ill be of practical 
utility ultimately, he has no doubt. The immense volume of 
water situated to the south and west of Australia must have very 
powerful influences on the seasons experienced in the southern 
portions of the continent. A very slight increase in temperature 
of the ocean must exert a considerable effect on the seasons, giving 
a mild winter or hot summer, whilst the density of the waters 
will affect the rate of evaporation therefrom, increasing or dimin- 
ishing the moisture in the atmosphere. It seems, therefore, 
important to have observations of at least the temperature of 
sea-waters taken regularly as an important meteorological element. 
To be of use, however, such observations must be taken at stations 
properly exposed. The results, for example, obtained at the 
Gellibrand Lightship, Melbourne, are affected largely by the 
temperature of the river Yarra, and probably those obtained in 
Sydney Harbour are similarly affected by the Parramatta River. 
Observations made at many of the coast lighthouses would be 
free from the objection, but great care should be taken that the 
temperature observed is of water drawn from the sea itself, and 
not from shallow pools left by the ebbing tide. 
The writer is deeply indebted to Captains Armstrong, Lee, 
Rossiter, and Thomson, of the A.U.S.N. Company’s service, and 
‘Captain Phillips, of the Union 8.8. Company’s service, also Chief 
Engineers Burwood and Orr, of the former company, for their 
kindness in obtaining samples and observing temperatures. He is 
also deeplyindebted to Messrs. D. Mills, of the Union 8.8. Company, 
Melbourne, and C. W. McLean, A.M.I.C.E., of the Marine Board, 
Melbourne, for valuable assistance. Captain T. H. Tizard, R.N. 
and F.R.S., of the Admiralty Office, and R. H. Scott, Esq., 
F.R.S., of the Meteorological Office, London, and the Superin- 
tendents of the Fish Commission and the Coast and Geodetic 
Survey, Washington, have supplied very valuable information. 
Messrs. Ellery, F.R.S., and E. J. Love, F.R.A.S., as well as 
Professors Kernot, Lyle, and Masson, gave most valuable assist- 
ance and advice. To all of these gentlemen the writer has to 
tender his sincere thanks, 
