CHAP, in.] THE CRUISES OF THE 'PORCUPINE: 137 



The following Draft of a Letter to be transmitted by the Secre- 

 tary to the Secretary of the Admiralty was approved : 



" THE ROYAL SOCIETY, BURLINGTON HOUSE, 

 "February 18, 1869. 



" SIR, Eeferring to the 'Preliminary Eeport' by Dr. Carpenter 

 of the Results of the Deep-Sea Exploration carried on during the 

 brief Cruise of Her Majesty's Steam- vessel 'Lightning' in 

 August and September last, which has already been transmitted 

 for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the 

 Admiralty I am directed by the President and Council of the 

 Royal Society to state that, looking to the valuable information 

 obtained from these Marine Researches, although comparatively 

 restricted in duration and extent, they deem it most desirable, 

 in the interests of Biological and Physical Science, and in no 

 small degree also for the advancement of Hydrographical know- 

 ledge, that a fresh exploration should be entered upon in the 

 ensuing summer, and extended over a wider area ; and they now 

 desire earnestly to recommend the matter to the favourable con- 

 sideration of My Lords, in the hope that the aid of Her Majesty's 

 Government, which was so readily and liberally bestowed last 

 year, may be afforded to the undertaking now contemplated, for 

 which such support would be indispensable. 



" In favour of the practicability and probable success of the 

 proposed fresh exploration, I am directed to explain that the 

 objects to be aimed at, as well as the course to be followed and 

 the measures to be employed for their attainment, have mainly 

 been suggested by the observations made and the experience 

 gained in the last Expedition. 



" Further information as to the proposed exploration will be 

 found in the Report, herewith transmitted, of a Committee to 

 whose consideration the subject was referred by the Council. 



" It is understood that the requisite Scientific Apparatus and 

 the remuneration of the Assistants to be employed would be 

 provided by the Royal Society. With regard to the appliances 

 which Her Majesty's Government may be asked to provide, the 

 experience of the previous Expedition will furnish adequate 

 guidance, whenever the general scheme may be approve.!. It 



