On the Meteorological Observatories of the Azores. 207 



the Atlantic, an observatory, the work of which would also include 

 the study of seismic phenomena, and this with great advantage, 

 because, in certain circumstances, the earthquakes felt in Europe 

 have, in the first instance, affected the volcanic massif of the Azores. 

 It is hardly necessary to say that those interested in the study of 

 terrestrial magnetism will view with pleasure the opening of an 

 observatory which is to render useful services in this department of 

 science. Many countries will profit directly by the observations 

 made on the Azores, because they interest all branches of the 

 nautical profession as well as the populations of all the western 

 coasts of Europe. The navigator approaching the end of a long 

 voyage in a sailing vessel will here find the means of regulating his 

 chronometers at the time when it is most wanted, namely, before 

 making the continental land. 



Since the first mention of my project in 1892, an event, which I 

 awaited with much impatience, has arrived to help it, namely, the 

 telegraphic connection of the Azores with Europe. Soon af terwards 

 the Portuguese Government gave effect to my views by creating on 

 the Island of St. Miguel, and under the direction of Captain Chaves, 

 a regular meteorological station, although fitted with the most 

 modest means. 



Finally, last year Captain Chaves was commissioned to establish 

 -on the Island of Flores, the most westerly of the Azores, a second 

 meteorological station, the observations at which will be most useful 

 for supplementing those of San Miguel. Unfortunately, its means 

 are even more modest than those of the preceding one, and the 

 telegraph cable has not yet reached it. 



In spite of the insufficient means of observation actually existing 

 in the Azores, the results which they already furnish towards estab- 

 lishing the paths of the depressions which cross the Atlantic, enable a 

 presentiment to be formed of the part which they will play when 

 their outfit is more complete. 



In order that science may the sooner profit by tbe advantages 

 promised by the observatory of the Azores ; and in order to guarantee 

 it against all the dangers which might cause an interruption of its 

 functions, I propose to give it a constitution founded on the prin- 

 ciple of an international guarantee, which would be secured by the 

 pecuniary contributions of the countries interested. It is principally 

 to expose this idea that I have come to-day to speak of these 

 observatories to the Royal Society. 



Portugal, accepting the principle of the international regime, has 

 commissioned Captain Chaves to invite the maritime nations in- 

 terested to give their adhesion to my project and to associate them- 

 selves in the organisation of the above-mentioned meteorological 

 service. 



Q 2 



