lii THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 



various intermediate depths ; such determinations to include the Saline Constituents, the Gases, and the Organic 

 Mattel in solution, and the nature of any particles found in suspension. 



" ' 3. To acertain the Physical and Chemical characters of the Deposits everywhere in progress on the Sea- 

 bottom ; and to trace, so far as may be possible, the sources of those deposits. 



'"4. To examine the Distribution of Organic Life throughout the areas traversed, especially in the deep 

 Ocean-bottoms and at different depths ; with especial reference to the Physical and Chemical conditions 

 already referred to, and to the connection of the present with the past condition of the Globe. 



" 'It is suggested that the Expedition should leave this country in the latter half of the year 1872 ; and as 

 its perfect organization will require much time and labour, it is desirable that suitable preparations should be 

 commenced forthwith. 



" ' For effectively carrying out the objects just specified, there will be required: — 



" ' 1. A Ship of sufficient size to furnish ample accommodation and storage-room for sea- voyages of con- 

 siderable length and for a probable absence of four years. 



" ' 2. A Staff of Scientific Men, qualified to take charge of the several branches of investigation above 

 enumerated. 



" ' 3. An ample supply of all that will be required for the Collection of the objects of research ; for the 

 prosecution of Physical and Chemical investigations ; and for the study and preservation of the various forms 

 of Organic Life which will be obtained. 



" ' The Committee would propose that in making this Application to the Admiralty, the President and 

 Council should offer their services in suggesting the Route which may appear to bo most desirable for the 

 Expedition to pursue ; and also in framing Instructions for the Officers charged with the several branches of 

 Scientific Research ; with a view to facilitate the preparation by their Lordships of their general Instructions 

 for the conduct of the Voyage to the Naval Officers commanding. 



" ' With this object they would propose that a Committee should be appointed by the Council, which 

 should include persons thoroughly versed in the various branches of Science to be represented in the Expedition, 

 who should give their advice and assistance previous to and during the progress of the Expedition. 



" ' The President and Council should also express their readiness to select and recommend to their Lordships 

 pei-sons qualified to be entrusted with the various branches of Scientific investigation to be represented, naming 

 the Salaries which may appear to them commensurate with the duties to be fulfilled. 



" ' The President and Council should also, in the opinion of this Committee, recommend that in accordance 

 with former precedents in regard to Expeditions of a similar character undertaken by this and other Governments, 

 a full and complete publication of the results of the Voyage with adequate illustrations should form a part 

 of the general plan ; and that the work should be brought out as soon after the return of the Expedition as 

 may be convenient. 



" ' It may be well to point out to the Admiralty, that the operations of the Expedition now proposed should 

 not dispense with such researches of a less laborious character as their Lordships might be disposed to make from 

 time to time from either the home or the foreign stations of the British Navy.' 



" Resolved, — That this Report be received, and be taken into consideration at the next Meeting of 

 Council. 



" December 1th, 1871. 



" The Report of the Committee on the subject of a Scientific Circumnavigation Voyage, received at the 

 last Meeting, having been taken into consideration, it was 



"Resolved, — That application be made to Her Majesty's Government, as recommended by the Committee, 

 and that the following Draft of a Letter to be addressed by the Secretary to the Secretary of the 

 Admiralty be approved : — 



