INTRODUCTION. ^j 



FHY OF THE Sea. If SO much have already been accomplished 

 by one nation, what may we not expect in the course of a few 

 years from the joint co-operation of so many ? 



Rarely before has there been such a sublime spectacle presented 

 to the scientific world : all nations agreeing to unite and co-op- 

 erate 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 henceforth 

 be regarded as a floating observatory, a temple of science. The 

 instruments used by every co-operating vessel are to be compared 

 with standards that are common to all ; so that an observation 

 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 uni- 

 versal. 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 devel- 

 opment of many interesting, important, and valuable results. 



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 sec- 

 ond 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 officially recom- 

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

 asked the favorable consideration thereof by Congress. These re- 



