MICROSCOPICAL SECTION. 417 



English Channel, Mediterranean and Red Seas, Coasts of 

 Portugal and Brazil, Deep Atlantic and Deep North 

 Pacific, Coasts of Japan, &c. &c. Amongst those from the 

 Pacific Ocean are the deepest soundings from which mate- 

 rial has yet been brought up from the sea-bottom, say 

 3,030 fathoms, or nearly 3^ miles; the quantity of 

 material is necessarily small ; and so far as yet examined, 

 in this specimen no trace of organic bodies has been found. 

 Arrangements are in progress for the scientific examination 

 and mounting of these soundings, some of which will be 

 laid before you this evening. About 1,200 envelopes have 

 been distributed, mostly amongst captains now out on 

 distant voyages, to the East and West Indies, Coasts of 

 Africa and Australia, as well as to some of the Pacific and 

 Sperm whalers and traders ; a few of which may in time 

 be returned with interesting material. It is encouraging 

 to know that other societies are following this example, so 

 that our knowledge of the sea-bottom will soon be vastly 

 increased. 



Results of unexpected magnitude are likely to follow 

 these humble efforts to obtain specimens from the deep 

 sea. Amongst those captains who were solicited to pre- 

 serve their soundings was Captain James Anderson, then 

 of the Cunard steamer " Canada." In the course of cor- 

 respondence with your Secretary, this enlightened sailor 

 developed a long-thought-of plan for the social advance- 

 ment of his fellow-mariners, to induce them to study 

 natural science in its various branches, and to render their 

 assistance available to scientific institutions throughout 

 the country. Captain Anderson asked for your assistance 

 to carry out his views. All who heard his letter, were so 

 convinced of the importance of the project that it was 

 unanimously determined, as a first step, the letter should 

 be printed and circulated at the expense of the Section. 

 That has been done to a limited extent, and in conse- 



SER. III. VOL. I. 3 H 



