7^ REPORT — 1861. 



me to plead the cause of Antarctic exploration. For them, with all the facilities with 

 which we are now surroimded, with their accomplished olRcers and daring seamen 

 who have given lustre to their flags, hoth in peace and in war, it woidd he an easy 

 task now to vnhar the Gates of the South. But in this, men and officers in other 

 navies will also claim the privilege to join; and since all Hags are alike interested 

 and concerned in developing the physics of the sea, and in bringing to light its 

 hidden things, it is hut fair that all who are cooperating in this system of research 

 shoidd have "chance and opportmiity" for the laurels that ai'e to be gathered there. 



Therefore, instead of conhuing my appeals upon this subject to my own or any one 

 govemment, I venture respectfully to bring it to the attention of all. 



The iirst step, I submit, should be to send a steamer down from Australia to search 

 for one or more ports or places where the exploring vessels that are to follow may 

 iind shelter, and whence they might despatch boat- or land- or ice-parties, accord- 

 ing to circumstances. This reconnaissance alone would occupy one season. 



Tlie next season, vessels suitably equipped for two or three years might bo sent 

 to take up their position, where at the retmii of siunmer they might be visited from 

 Melbourne again, and arrangements made for the next season. 



For many seasons this exploration should be a joint one among the nations that 

 are most concerned in maritime pursuits. The advantages are manifold : each one of 

 the cooperating powers, inslead of equipping a squadron at its own expense, would 

 only furnish one or two steamers ; and these shoidd not be large, nor should their 

 cost be extravagant. Thus the expenses of a thorough Antarctic exploration, like 

 those for cai'rying on the " Wind and CuiTcnt Charts," may be so subdivided among 

 the nations concerned as literally to be " almost nothing. " It would also be at- 

 tended by this further and great advantage — such an expedition could have eeveral 

 centres of exploration. The officers and men under each flag would naturally be 

 incited by the most zealous and active emidation. They would strive so much the 

 more earnestly not to be outdone in pushing on the glorious conquest. 



Now the question is, what mode of procedure is best calculated successfully to 

 bring this subject to the notice of the proper authorities in jour country' ? 



I leave that to you and other friends, trusting to thcra to invoke suen means and 

 to take such steps as, to them, the importance of the subject and the interests of the 

 loint system of research, in which we and our ilags are enlisted for the increase of 

 knowledge among men, may seem to require. 



■N^ery truly, yoiu-s, &c.. 



His Excellency the Lord Lywis, M. F. Mauey. 



Envoy Exty-aordinary ami 3Iinister Flcnipotetdiary of 

 Great Britaui, Washmgton. 



On an Anemometer for Beriisterinq the Maximum. Force and extreme Variation 

 of the Wind. By John E. Morgan, M.A., M.B. Oxon., M.E.C.P. 

 The author described the instrument as consisting of an iron stand supporting a 

 spindle. On the top of the spindle revolves a boss, on which rests a fi-ame 1.3 inches 

 in length by ^ in ■\\'idth. This frame is maintained in the direction of the wind 

 by means of two vanes, facing each other at an angle, the more open end of the 

 angle being directed towards the spindle. A small car with flanged wheels traverses 

 the frame. To the face of tlie car is attached a thin metal plate 6 inches square, 

 and to the back a catch playing freelj' over some rack-work. This catch permits 

 the car to move towards the vanes, but checks its return to the spindle. 1 he face 

 of the car is connected with a balance contrived on a somewhat novel principle by 

 means of a loaded wheel, and a lever with a weight at its lower end. By means of 

 tills balance the resistance to the progress of the car increases with its advance. The 

 ratio of this increase is expressed in ounces and pounds engraved on one side of the 

 fi-ame. A hand projecting from the car moves over the scale on the datuig index. 

 The scale rises from ^ of an ounce to 7 lbs. As the surface presented to tlie wind 

 is fi inches square, the pressure on the square foot will be exactly four times that 

 indicated on the fi'ame. The amount of variation in the direction of the wind, in a 

 given space of time, is shown by means of tv\o hands, which project from the spindle, 

 and are capable of being directed to any part of a dial plate, on which the points of 

 the compass ai-e engi-aved by means of a rod, which is attached to, and revolves with 



