40S EEPORT — 1873. 



The intensity of the phosphorescence of the sea, shown not unfrequently 

 by our tropical seas, gives us some idea of the intensity which this mag- 

 nificent phenomenon could acquire under such unusual circumstances ; and 

 it is, I think, not unreasonable to expect that such a phosphorescence could 

 be seen even at planetary distances. It would explain the fact that the 

 edge of the dark hemisphere of Venus is seen brighter than its central 

 part ; for it is demonstrable by calculation and confirmed by observation (as 

 in the case of the sea near the horizon, or the edge of the full moon), that a 

 rough surface emitting diffused light is seen the brighter the more obliquely 

 it is regarded. 



It is satisfactory to think that my suggestion can be put to the test of 

 physical inquirj^. M. Pasteur found the spectrum of cucuyos (tropical 

 phosphorescent beetles) a continuous one ; and, according to Mr. Piazzi Smyth, 

 the same holds good for the phosphorescent animalculse of the sea (Month. 

 Not. vol. xxxii. p. 277), so that the spectroscope wiU be able to decide be- 

 tween Professor Ziillner's hypothesis and mine. 



Since the foregoing note was read before the British Association, Dr. H. 

 Vogel has published observations of Venus with the large refractor of Baron 

 Billow (Beobachtungen auf der Sternwarte zu Bothkamp, Heft 2, pp. 118- 

 132). He saw the secondary light of Venus on seven mornings between 

 October 15 and November 12, 1871, in bright twilight. The light was 

 yellowish, faint, brighter near the terminator, fading away on the other 

 side, and never extended over more than 30° of arc on Venus. On five 

 other mornings nothing was seen. 



Report of the Committee, consisting of Dr. Rolleston, Dr. Sclater, 

 Dr. Anton Dohrn, Professor Huxley, Professor Wyville Thom- 

 son, and E. Ray Lankester, for the foundation of Zoological 

 Stations in different j^orts of the Globe. Braivn vp by Anton 

 Dohrn, Secretary. 



The Committee beg to report that since the last Meeting the building of the 

 Zoological Station at Naples has been completed. [A photograph of the 

 building was exhibited at the Meeting when the Kcport was read.] 



The internal, mechanical, and scientific arrangements require two months 

 for completion ; and though the cost of the whole has exceeded the esti- 

 mates in no small degree. Dr. Dohrn hopes nevertheless to balance them by 

 finding new means of income for the establishment. He has succeeded in 

 obtaining a subsidy of .£1500 from the German Empire, and his scheme of 

 letting working-tables in the laboratories of the station has met with general 

 approval . Two tables have been let to Prussia and iiuo to Italy, one to Bavaria, 

 one to Baden, and one to the University of Strasburg ; a letter from the 

 Dutch Ministry of the Interior informs Dr. Dohrn that Holland accepts the 

 offer of one table for the stipulated annual payment of ^'75 ; and, moreover. 

 Dr. Dohrn has been informed that the University of Cambridge intends to hire 

 one table for three years. Applications have also been made to the Imperial 

 Government of Russia, both on the part of Dr. Dohrn and by different 

 Russian scientific authorities. A correspondence has taken place between 

 Dr. Dohrn and Professors Lovcn and Steenstrup about a possible participation 



