55 
pended, marked E. The Committee points out that no 
reliable systematic experiments have been made upon the 
relative power of American irons to resist corrosion by sea- 
water, which they consider of cardinal importance. They 
point out also the importance of experiments on the use of 
oak timber as a backing to the armor of iron vessels, and are 
of opinion that no method yet proposed can be considered as 
sufficiently tested to merit a recommendation to the Depart- 
ment; that the question is still an open one, and that the 
naval and commercial interests of the country would in all 
probability be materially advanced by a careful and thorough 
experimental investigation of the whole subject. 
The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution has offered 
to place the laboratory under his charge at the disposal of 
the Committee for the purpose of investigation. 
The Committee is of the opinion that no proper investi- 
gation can be made of these important subjects, unless an 
appropriation to defray the necessary expenses be made by 
the Department, or, if necessary, by Congress. 
The conclusions of the Committee were adopted by the 
Academy in the following resolution: — 
“ Resolved, That the report of the Committee on the 
Coating of Iron Ships be adopted, and that a series of 
€xperiments on this subject be undertaken by a committee 
of the Academy, whenever the requisite means are provided 
therefor.” 
The subject, referred by the Chief of the Bureau of 
Navigation, by instructions from the. Navy. Department, of 
investigation of the magnetic deviation in iron ships, and 
of the correction of the compasses, including the correction 
of those of naval vessels, was referred to Committee No. 3, 
whose preliminary report is presented herewith, lettered F. 
‘This Committee consists of Prof. A.D. Bache, Prof. Jos. 
