128 THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 
ascertain this that the first of the celebrated voyages of Captain 
Cook was undertaken to Otaheite. 
It may be asked what is the use of all the expense of time and 
money to ascertain the facts regarding Venus. What does it matter 
whether the Sun is 93 millions or 95 millions of miles from the Sun ? 
Mariners tell us that a yard of room is of the utmost importance on 
a stormy night, and so many a gallant crew and many a splendid 
ship may be saved by the compliment of information which Venus is 
able to add to our nautical almanac. And if for no other reason, 
is it not far better for us to be in pursuit of information suchas is to 
be found in nature and science ? 
To illustrate this lecture Mr. Evel used a set of slides which he 
presented to the Astronomical Section of the Society. 
