INTRODUCTION. xi 



operate in carrying out one system of philosophical research with 

 regard to the sea. Though they may be enemies in all else, here 

 they are to be friends. Every ship that navigates the high seas 

 with these charts and blank abstract logs on board may hence- 

 forth be regarded as a floating observatory, a temple of 'Science. 

 The instruments used by every co-operating vessel are to be com- 

 pared with standards that are common to all ; so that an observa- 

 tion that is made any where and in any ship may be referred to 

 and compared with all similar observations by all other ships in 

 all parts of the world. 



But these meteorological observations which this extensive and 

 admirable system includes will relate only to the sea. This is not 

 enough. The plan should include the land also, and be univers- 

 al. Other great interests of society are to be benefited by such 

 extension no less than commerce and navigation have been. A 

 series of systematic observations, directed over large districts of 

 country, nay, over continents, to the improvement of agricultural 

 and sanitary meteorology, would, I have no doubt, tend to a de- 

 velopment of many interesting, important, and valuable results. 



With proper encouragement, this plan of research is capable 

 of great expansion. With the aid of the magnetic telegraph, and 

 by simply a properly devised system of daily reports through it, 

 sentinels upon the vreather may be so posted that we may have 

 warning in advance of every storm that traverses the country. 



The agricultural societies of many states of the Union have ad- 

 dressed memorials to the American Congress, asking for such ex- 

 tension ; and it is hoped that that enlightened body will not fail 

 favorably to respond. 



This plan contemplates the co-operation of all the states of 

 Christendom, at least so far as the form, method, subjects of ob- 

 servations, time of making them, and the interchange of results 

 are concerned. I hope that my fellow-citizens will not fail to 

 second and co-operate in such a humane, wise, and noble scheme. 

 The Secretary of the Navy, taking the enlarged and enlightened 

 views which do honor to great statesmen, has of&cially recom- 

 mended the adoption of such a system, and the President has ask- 

 ed the favorable consideration thereof by Congress. These re- 

 searches for the land look not only to the advancement of the 

 great interests of sanitary and agricultural meteorology, but they 



