Ix EEPORT 1867. 



say, in order to find tlie true height of the harometer, we measure between 

 the zero-line and the line denoting the top of the uncorrected column, since, 

 when the top of the column rises or falls through temperature, the zero- 

 hne rises or falls just as much. This mode of correction, although sufficient 

 for most purposes, cannot yet be absolutely perfect ; a httle reflection will, 

 however, show that the curved zero-line may not only be used as the 

 means of correcting the readings of the instrument, but also as giving the actual 

 temperature of the mercurial column from moment to moment, so that the 

 true temperature-correction may with very little trouble be obtained and 

 applied. 



A comparison of the curves of the old Kew Barograph at present in 

 operation, with those of the Oxford Barograph, has shown that there is 

 probably a slight adhesion of the mercury to the sides of the tube of the 

 former instrument ; moreover the instrument is not in all respects the same 

 as those about to be supplied to the other observatories. It has therefore 

 been resolved that one of the new instruments shall be substitiited for it. 



Anemometer. — This instrument is a modification of Dr. Hobinson's. Its 

 time-scale corresponds in length with those of the Thermograph and Baro- 

 graph, — the object of having all the time-scales of the same length being to 

 obtain the means of accurately placing the simultaneous records of the 

 different instruments, one under the other, on the same sheet of paper. The 

 present Anemometer wiU have to be altered, as it is not self-recording for 

 direction ; and it is then intended to support it above the moveable dome of 

 the Observatory so as to be independent of it. 



In order to fit the Observatory for the pui-poses of the Meteorological 

 Committee, one of the outhouses, at present only occasionally used for the veri- 

 fication of Magnetographs, has been altered so as to make it also available for 

 the verification of meteorological self-recording instruments ; this, together 

 with the addition of a small brick building outside, wiU be siifficient for the 

 purposes of the Meteorological Committee. When this building is completed 

 it will receive all the moveable iron at present in the Observatory; this 

 arrangement will at the same time set free the present workshop, additional 

 room being required for the increasing work of the Observatory. 



J. P. Gassiot, Chairman. 

 Kew Observatory, 22nd August 1867. 



Rejwrt of the Parliamentary Committee to the Meeting of the British 

 Association at Dundee, Sejitember 1867. 



The Parliamentary Committee have the honour to report as follows : — 

 Tour Committee have to express their regret that the Pubhc Schools Bill 

 has again failed to obtain the sanction of the Legislatiu'e ; but it is a subject 

 for congratulation that the discussions in Parliament and elsewhere, which 

 have followed its introduction, have already borne fruit. The attention of 

 the public appears to have been awakened to the necessity for introducing 

 scientific teaching into our Schools, if we are not wUling to sink into a con- 

 dition of inferiority as regards both intellectual culture and skill in art when 

 compared with foreign nations. The vokmtary efi^orts of the Masters of two 

 of oui- great schools to add instruction in Natiual Science to the ordinary 

 Classical course are desei-ving of aU praise ; and some evidence of their sue- 



