420 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



9, St, Peter's Square, 



Manchester, 4th April,, 1861. 

 Sir, 



The Microscopical Section of the Manchester 

 Literary and Philosophical Society have by circular re- 

 quested many Captains of merchant vessels to preserve for 

 microscopical examination, the material brought from the 

 sea-bottom, by the soundings they make in various parts 

 of the world. Amongst others, application was made 

 to Captain Anderson of the Royal Mail Steam Ship 

 " Canada," and he not only entered fully into the spirit of 

 the request, but in course of correspondence with the 

 Secretary, Captain Anderson gave the outline of a project 

 which has occupied his attention for some years past, for 

 cultivating a taste for Natural and Meteorological Science 

 amongst Mariners, and for rendering their assistance 

 available to scientific institutions; he embodied his views 

 in a letter that was read at the meeting of 18th March. 



So strong was the feeling of the members upon the sub- 

 ject, it was unanimously resolved that Captain Anderson's 

 letter should be printed and circulated at the expense of 

 the Section, with a view to elicit opinions upon the feasi- 

 bility of the project, and upon the best practical method of 

 carrying it into execution. In the first instance the con- 

 currence of ship owners and merchants will be required; 

 I shall therefore be glad to be informed if after perusal 

 of the letter, you are disposed to assist the movement. 

 Should sufficient encouragement be obtained it is proposed 

 to call a meeting in Liverpool to organise the plan of fur- 

 ther proceedings. 



I am. Sir, 



Yours truly, 

 GEORGE MOSLEY, 



HON. SEC. 



