54 THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA. [CHAP. n. 



naturalists who might be willing to accompany us, for the 

 purpose of carrying on a systematic course of deep-sea dredging 

 for a month or six weeks of the present summer, commencing 

 early in August. 



Though we desire that this inquiry should be extended both 

 in geographical range and in depth as far as is proposed in Prof. 

 Wyville Thomson's letter, we think it preferable to limit our- 

 selves on the present occasion to a request which will not, we 

 believe, involve the extra expense of sending out a coaling- 

 vessel. We should propose to make Kirkwall or Lerwick our 

 port of departure, to explore the sea-bottom between the Shetland 

 and the Fteroe Islands, dredging around the shores and in the 

 fiords of the latter (which have not yet, we believe, been 

 scientifically examined), and then to proceed as far north-west 

 into the deep water between the Fseroe Islands and Iceland as 

 may be found practicable. 



It would be desirable that the vessel provided for such 

 a service should be one capable of making way under canvas 

 as well as by steam-power ; but as our operations must neces- 

 sarily be slow, speed would not be required. Considerable 

 labour would be spared to the crew if the vessel be provided 

 with a 'donkey-engine' that could be used for pulling up the 

 dredge. 



If the Council of the Eoyal Society should deem it expedient 

 to prefer this request to the Admiralty, I trust that they may 

 further be willing to place at the disposal of Prof. Wyville 

 Thomson and myself, either from the Donation Fund or the 

 Government-Grant Fund, a sum of 100 for the expenses we 

 must incur in providing an ample supply of spirit and of jars 

 for the preservation of specimens, with other scientific appliances. 

 We would undertake that the choicest of such specimens should 

 be deposited in the British Museum. 



I shall be obliged by your bringing this subject before the 

 Council of the Royal Society, and remain, 



Dear General Sabine, yours faithfully, 



WILLIAM B. CAEPENTER. ; 



The President of the Royal Society. 



