XXxiv REPORT—1862. 
The usual monthly absolute determinations of the magnetic elements con- 
tinue to be made, and the self-recording magnetographs are in constant 
operation under the zealous superintendence of Mr. Chambers, the Mag- 
netical Assistant. 
- Major-General Sabine, Pres. R.S., has laid before the Royal Society a paper 
entitled ‘ Notice of some conclusions derived from the Photographic Records 
of the Kew Declinometer in the years 1858, 1859, 1860, and 1861.” 
The exceedingly good definition which the labours of the late Mr. Welsh 
procured for the magnetic curves, has also enabled the Superintendent, 
Mr. Stewart, to discuss the disturbance-curyes by a peculiar method, depend- 
ing on such definition; and he has presented a paper to the Royal Society 
“On the forces which are concerned in producing the larger magnetic dis- 
turbances.” 
The Committee are at present engaged in investigating the best means of 
multiplying copies of these curves, and exhibit to the Association two prints 
from such—one kindly taken by Sir Henry James by his process, and the 
other taken by that of Mr. Paul Pretsch. 
The expense incurred by Mr. Pretsch has been defrayed by £25 obtained 
from the Government Grant through the Royal Society. 
The Chairman of the Balloon Committee haying applied to the Super- 
intendent for the instruments used by the late Mr. Welsh in his ascents, 
these were delivered over to Mr. Criswick on the 12th of March last, haying 
been previously verified at the Observatory. 
The Meteorological work of the Observatory continues to be performed in 
a satisfactory manner by Mr. George Whipple, and each Member of the Staff 
of the Observatory seems much interested in the duties he is called upon to 
discharge. 
During the past year 184 Barometers and 282 Thermometers have been 
verified; and, to give an idea of the amount of this kind of work which has 
been accomplished since first the subject was commenced in the year 1854, it 
may be stated that no fewer than 1185 Barometers and 6429 Thermometers 
have been verified up to this date. 
Rear-Admiral FitzRoy having been informed of the existence at the Ob- 
servatory of a Barograph invented and used by Mr. Ronalds, the following 
letter was addressed by him to the Chairman :— 
(Copy.) 
“Board of Trade (and Admiralty) Meteorological Department, 
2 Parliament Street, London, 8.W., 7th April, 1862. 
*‘ Srr,—I have the honour to address you as Chairman of the Kew Com- 
mittee of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, on behalf 
of this branch department of the Board of Trade and the Admiralty. 
“T am authorized to request that you will allow us to endeavour to 
benefit by your regular photographic self-registration of the Barometer at the 
Kew Meteorological and Magnetical Observatory during at least one com- 
plete year of continuous record, by causing this office to be furnished with 
copies of photographic tracings, or their results, in full detail. 
«The objects specially in view here, are :— 
“Such accurate and indisputable continuous delineation of atmospheric 
pressure, or (rather) tension, as can only be obtained by perfectly reliable 
means; and 
“Such details of occasional oscillations, or pulsations (so to speak), as can 
best be obtained photographically. 
—— 
