REPORT OF THE KEW COMMITTEE. xli 



to direct and superintend the arrangements of a practical physical observa- 

 tory. 



His knowledge of science in general, but more particularly of Meteorology 

 and Magnetism, was extensive and accurate; in all branches of these sciences 

 he was an eminent authority, having clear and comprehensive views, possess- 

 ing also a sagacious insight into remoter possibilities. 



His zeal for science was signally displayed in the four balloon ascents 

 which he undertook in 1852 with some personal risk, and from which he ob- 

 tained valuable results (Phil. Trans, vol. cxliii. part 3). 



Possessed of an amiable disposition, of singular warmth of heart and sin- 

 cerity of character, his loss as a friend is mourned by all the members of the 

 Committee and by many members of the Association. 



The published annual Reports of the British Association, and the Trans- 

 actions and Proceedings of the Royal Society, contain many valuable con- 

 tributions of Mr. Welsh, and these alone would entitle him to be placed in 

 the ranks of those to whom the Science of this country must ever be deeply 

 indebted. 



Several gentlemen offered themselves as candidates to succeed Mr. Welsh; 

 the Committee, in selecting Mr. Balfour Stewart, who was formerly his 

 Assistant in the Observatory, believe they have appointed a gentleman who 

 is not only competent to fulfil the duty of Superintendent, but who, from the 

 experience he obtained under the direction of Mr. Welsh, is peculiarly fitted 

 for the office. 



Mr. Stewart entered on his duties on the 1st of July last. He reports that he 

 found all the Assistants discharging their respective duties. Mr. Chambers 

 was assiduously attending to the Magnetical, and Mr. Beckley to the Mecha- 

 nical Department of the Observatory. Mr. Magrath had charge of the 

 Meteorological verifications, and Mr. Whipple he found of much use in the 

 general work of the Observatory. 



During the past year, in the Magnetical Department, Constants have been 

 determined for a Unifilar Magnetometer belonging to Dr. Pegado, of Lisbon, 

 and also the temperature correction and induction coefficient for its accom- 

 panying magnet. 



A Dip Circle belonging to Padre Secchi, For. Mem. R.S., and Astronomer 

 at Rome, as also one belonging to Prof. Hansteen, have been compared with 

 the Kew instrument, adjustments made for the determination of total force 

 by Dr. Lloyd's method, and observations made at the Observatory as a base 

 station. 



Temperature corrections and induction coefficients have been obtained for 

 magnets R., and R fi belonging to General Sabine. 



Dr. Bergsma, of Utrecht, has received instructions in the use of Magnet- 

 ical Instruments at the Observatory. 



An extensive series of dip observations, and also periodical determinations 

 -of Magnetic force and declination, have been made : and a Manual of In- 

 structions, for the use of the Instruments adopted for those purposes at the 

 Kew Observatory, has been drawn up and printed at the expense of the 

 Admiralty, by whom 250 copies have been presented to the Observatory. 



The Committee think it right to mention, that the magnetical work, the 

 details of which have now been given, was executed in the absence of 

 Mr. Welsh by Mr. Chambers, in a manner very creditable to his intelli- 

 gence and industry, and satisfactory to the Committee. 



The Self-recording Magnetometers have continued in constant operation ; 

 their instrumental coefficients were determined by Mr. Welsh. The death 

 of this gentleman prevented his completing the Report called for at the last 



