Report of Observatory Committee. v 



3rd. Two Attendants. For these persons no education would be re- 

 quisite except that of reading and writing easily, and performing the 

 ordinary operations of arithmetic with facility, and we are of opinion 

 that a non-commissioned officer and two privates of the Sappers and 

 Miners would be most suitable for these posts, or men of that class. 



As a site for the observatory, we recommend a spot in the 

 western portion of the Royal Park, clear of trees, on the brow of 

 the hill overlooking Flemington. As regards an observatory this 

 spot is unobjectionable ; and in the event of a Trigonometrical 

 survey of the colony being carried out, would form a most suitable 

 starting point. It commands an uninterrupted view of Station 

 Peak and Mount Macedon, which would form with it an admirable 

 fundamental triangle, having Keilor Plains, the most suitable place 

 for measuring a base line, within it. 



The buildings requisite for the Astronomical Observatory woidd 

 be— 



1. A foundation and enclosure for the large telescope, which 



would not be covered in. 



2. A transit room, 1 6 feet square. 



3. A calculating room, or library. 



4. An attendant's room, which might be used as a bed room. 



We do not recommend that there be a residence provided in the 

 observatory buildings. A residence for the observer, if provided, 

 should be in a detached building, not far distant. 



We are also of opinion that it would be desirable that these 

 should be strongly and substantially built of wood, in order that the 

 building may differ in temperature from the surrounding air as little 

 as possible. 



We wish it to be borne in mind that in recommending to the 

 Government the establishment of an observatory the Philosophical 

 Institute is not asking anything for itself, but is only coming for- 

 ward, as similar institutions at home have always done when there 

 was any great national scientific work to be undertaken, to urge 

 upon the Government to undertake, in its own way, what they be- 

 lieve to be a great national work ; and to proffer to the Government 

 any assistance in their power in pointing out the objects which are 

 in their opinion most deserving of attention, and the best mode of 

 attaining them. 



There is one more point to which we wish to draw attention, viz., 

 the necessity for providing such scientific control for the observatory 

 and the magnetic survey as shall ensure that the exertions of all 

 connected with it are profitably directed, and secure to the colony 

 the results of those observations ; and at the same time will avoid 

 the evils arising from fettering the free action of the director and 

 surveyor. Without presuming to prescribe how this should be done, 

 we beg to recommend to the consideration of the Government the 



