ON THREE BALLOON ASCENTS IN 1861 AND 1885. 14.5 



It may be added that a small Lumpsucker, which the Committee have 

 been unable to identify either from Yarrell's or Couch's « British Fishes,' 

 ■was brought up. 



To complete the dredging of the coast, the Committee would ask a re- 

 newal of the grant. They would also suggest that it would be most de- 

 sirable that their researches should be extended along the coast of Banffshire, 

 which has already yielded so many species new to Britain and to science. 

 A supplementary Report will be laid before the next Meeting of the Asso- 

 ciation. 



An Account of Meteorological and Physical Observations in Three 

 Balloon Ascents made in the years 1864. and 1865 {in continuation 

 of twenty -two made in the years 1862, 1863, and 186-1), under the 

 auspices of the Committee of the British Association for the Advance- 

 ment of Science, by James Glaisher, F.R.S., at the request of the 

 Committee, consisting of Colonel Sykes, the Astronomer Royal, Lord 

 Wrottesley, Sir D. Brewster, Sir J. Herschel, Bart., Dr. Lloyd, 

 Dr. Lee, Dr. Robinson, Mr. Gassiot, Mr. Glaisher, Prof. Tyndall, 

 Dr. Fairbairn, and Dr. W. A. Miller. 



TnE Committee on Balloon Experiments was reappointed last year, chiefly 

 for the following purposes : — 



1st. To examine the electrical condition of the air, if possible. 



2nd. To verify the law of the decrease of temperature as found from 

 summer-day observations, already made, with day observations at other 

 seasons of the year, but principally in the winter and adjacent months. 



3rd. It was understood that, in addition, magnetical experiments, when- 

 ever possible, were to be made in preference to all others ; observations by 

 the spectroscope (particularly on the solar spectrum), on the currents of the 

 atmosphere, on solar radiation at different heights, and hygrometical observa- 

 tions, though secondaiy, were to be held very important subjects of inves- 

 tigation, and to be followed as far as possible, according to circumstances. 



4th. To make arrangements for observations at night, and to make ob- 

 servations at night, if possible. 



With respect to the first of these objects, no further progress has been 

 made ; the instrument which was prepared last year, was prepared for use 

 with an open-burning flame ; this is not admissible with gas in such close 

 proximity ; and since the last Meeting I have been in hopes that Mr. Fleeming 

 Jenkm, with Mr. Varley and Prof. Thomson, would be able to arrange an 

 apparatus that might with safety be used ; but, owing to engagements in 

 connexion with the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, these gentlemen have not yet 

 succeeded. 



With respect to the second and third objects of research, some progress 

 has been made, though not to the exteat contemplated at the beginning of 

 the year. 



With respect to the fourth object, having relation to night observations, 

 none have actually been made, but some arrangements have been completed, 

 of which I will say a few words. 



1865. M 



