268 



dinary measurements, must render the computed elements very doubt- 

 ful. Mr. W. also remai-ked the general correspondence of its ele- 

 ments with those of the comet of 1689. 



Professor Bache informed the Society that he had received 

 a letter from the Hon. James M. Porter, Secretary of War, 

 through the bureau of Topographical Engineers, making an 

 allowance for the continuance of the observations at the mag- 

 netic observatory. In consequence of this liberal and well- 

 timed suj^ply of means, he said, the series of observations was 

 resumed on the first of the present month. 



The Society thereupon unanimously adopted a resolution, 

 tendering its thanks to the Hon. James M. Porter, Secretary 

 of War, for his judicious appropriation of means for the con- 

 tinued prosecution of the magnetic observations heretofore 

 conducted under the auspices of the Society : and 



The Committee of the Magnetic Observatory was instructed 

 to communicate the resolution to the Hon. Secretary. 



The Committee on the Centennial Celebration reported pro- 

 gress, and announced the measures which they had deemed 

 advisable to take for furthering the objects of their appoint- 

 ment. 



Mr. Kane, Reporter, laid upon the table the 25th No. Vol. 

 II. of the Proceedings, for January, February, and March, 

 1843. 



Stated Meeting, April 21. 



Present, thirty-eight members. 



Dr. Patterson, Vice-President, in the Chair. 



Mr. Charles B. Trego, a member elect, was presented, sub- 

 scribed the laws, and took his seat. 



Letters were read: — 



From the Secretary of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 

 dated 11th April, 1843, inviting the Society's presence at the 

 second centennial celebration of the Confederation of the New 

 England Colonies on the 29th of May next: — and 



