64 



controlling the results of former explorations will be most excellent, 

 and most advantageous to science. 



The vast number of astronomical observations of different kinds 

 for the determination of latitudes and longitudes, extending from 

 Galveston to the northernmost point of the coast of Maine, the expe- 

 rimental observations for the determination of the relative value of 

 different instruments, and different methods of observing for the nice 

 determination of celestial phenomena, and the elaborate discussions 

 of the formulae for reduction and correction of errors, by the able 

 astronomers whom the Superintendent has engaged in these labours, 

 must be of inappreciable importance to practical astronomy, for which 

 we, as a nation, are already obtaining a high character. 



The application of the electric telegraph to the determination of 

 longitudes, and the invention of the self-registering clock, are im- 

 provements, the vast importance of which cannot be overlooked. 



The development of the laws which govern the distribution of sedi- 

 ment at the bottom of the sea and along the coast, the microscopic 

 examination of the various infusoria which live in them, and the esta- 

 blishment of safe data, from which any future elevation or depression 

 of the land, however gradual in its progress, may be detected, will 

 be found as important to the geologist as the results which we have 

 just alluded to are to the astronomer; while the extensive and delicate 

 magnetical observations, the study of the tidal and oceanic currents, 

 and especially of that grand phenomenon, the Gulf Stream, cannot 

 fail to furnish a vast body of the most carefully determined facts, ca- 

 pable of giving to the physical science of our country an impetus 

 which it has never yet received : while the training of our officers of 

 the army and navy to scientific observations, and, what is far more 

 important, the education of a body of young men in the strictest 

 school of modern experimental science, may be ranked among the 

 most important advantages either in a practical or scientific point of 

 view. 



It is not to be expected that, confined to the examination of the re- 

 sults of the work as published, and without access to the official re- 

 cords, the Committee could make any suggestions likely to lead to 

 any practical improvement in the conduct of the work. It is evident, 

 from the results, that the superintendence of Prof. Bache is very ac- 

 tive in this respect, and the members of the Society have been long 

 enough associated with him to know that nothing in the way of im- 

 provement is likely to escape his notice or to meet his neglect. Your 

 Committee, however, would respectfully call his attention to the fact, 



