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and 10 soundings through the upper layer down to 1000 — 1200 M. were taken by 

 the Austrian expedition on the way, and tlie same number by the Italian on the same 

 course, the combined result would give a hydrographical section which in point of 

 completeness should surpass all sections hitherto made, and would be doubly valu- 

 able if the soundings were repeated at the same stations on the return voyage. 



In a similar manner, it would be expected that the ships sent out by the North 

 Sea countries and by Russia, taking the English Channel as their point of departure, 

 would carry out a still more complete section over the Atlantic north of the Plateau 

 of the Azores, since the number of these vessels would be greater, and a more exten- 

 sive division of labour could thus be carried out. In all northern European 

 countries there are now complete equipments for such work, and a well practised 

 staff. Two or more assistants would have to be sent out, according as only purely 

 hydrographical-biological observations are to be made, or meteorological observations 

 in addition. The opening ceremony of the Panama Canal, which should stand in 

 the sign of universal traffic, would likewise form an epoch in the study of the sea, 

 and introduce a future of international co-operation in the scientific activity of the 

 nations. 



We have restricted ourselves to pointing out the ways and means by which the 

 reconnaissance of the Atlantic Ocean, long planned, and recommended by the 

 Geographical Congresses, can be commenced, because we recognise that the most 

 important thing is to make a commencement. If the opportunity be neglected now, 

 it will not come soon again. We have taken part in the founding of the Inter- 

 national Investigation of the Sea, and know by experience the difficulties which 

 have to be overcome in order to set an international undertaking of such dimensions 

 in progress, and we are of the opinion, that a period of a year and a half should 

 iust suffice for the diplomatic, scientific and technical preparations. 



We suggest that the Council should assign to the Central Bureau the task of 

 commencing negotiations at once through the medium of the Danish Foreign Office, 

 placing the necessary means at the disposal of the Bureau. It is to be expected 

 that the preparations will demand some, even though not important, expenditure 

 for correspondence, printed matter, programmes, etc. The Bureau should also be 

 empowered to increase the credit of the Central Laboratory, on which great demands 

 would be made by orders for apparatus, etc., in the event of the international 

 reconnaissance of the Atlantic taking place. 



