65 



that, if consistent with his duties and means, the early publication of 

 the original observations, astronomical, magnetic, hydrographical 

 and others, would be of vast service to the practical science of the 

 country, and is anxiously hoped for by its cultivators. 



In performance of their duty, the Committee have been compelled 

 to confine themselves to an indication merely, of the most important 

 conclusions to which their examinations have led them. To enlarge 

 upon the points suggested can scarcely be necessary in a report to a 

 scientific society, and would have occupied more time than their other 

 pursuits would allow, or the Society would have at its disposal. 

 But enough, they think, has been said to warrant them in relying 

 upon the approbation of the Society in their conclusions: 



1. That the Survey of the Coast is a work which, I'rom its impor- 

 tance to our citizens, recommends itself in the strongest manner to 

 the protection of the government. 



2. That the benefits, both of a scientific and practical character, 

 which have already been derived, and are constantly resulting from 

 it, are such as to repay abundantly the labour and expense which 

 have been, and may hereafter be devoted to it. 



3. That it has heretofore been conducted accurately, efficiently, 

 and economically, and that there is every reason to believe that it 

 will best thrive by being left with its present organization. 



4. And that, as well from the magnitude of the undertaking, as 

 from the skill and energy with which it has been conducted, it will 

 prove honourable to those who first conceived it, and to those who 

 have been engaged in its prosecution. 



The Committee, therefore, recommend to the Society the adoption 

 of the following Resolution : 



Resolved, That the American Philosophical Society recommend 

 to the Superintendent of the United States Coast Survey, the publica- 

 tion, as speedily as shall be consistent with the interests of the Sur- 

 vey, of the observations upon which the published results are found- 

 ed, and of all others made during its progress ; as well as of the 

 formulse for computation and reduction, and the discussions of the 

 elimination of errors from the observed results. 



And the Committee respectfully ask to be discharged. 



R. M. PATTERSON, 

 JOHN F. FRAZER, 

 E. OTIS KENDALL, 

 J. K. KANE. 



VOL. V. — K 



