1888-89.] 127 



and steel wire rope for dredging purposes, in place of the hempen 

 cords and ropes that had previously been employed in these 

 observations. Owing to the much smaller diameter of the wire, 

 and its smooth surface, it is far less influenced by the retarding 

 action of friction as it passes through the water, while, on account 

 of its superior weight, it sinks readily, and by its employment for 

 sounding purposes the depth can be accurately ascertained even 

 in several miles deep of ocean. A new form of sounder, where- 

 with a sample of the sea-bottom is secured and brought to the 

 surface, enclosed in a cylinder of gun -metal, was described, and 

 the machine exhibited. It was made in Belfast, from a design by 

 Mr. William Swanston, of this city, and was used with success 

 on the expedition. Samples of the fine wire used for ascertain- 

 ing the depths, and of the steel wire rope used for dredging, 

 were also shown. The lecturer then described the various 

 forms of dredges and trawls, and explained how they are 

 employed for the capture of the wonderful variety of animals 

 that live on the ocean floor. Proceeding then to the 

 narrative of their trip, Mr. Praeger stated that the party con- 

 sisted of the Rev. W. S. Green, M.A. ; John Day, Cork ; Dr. 

 C. B. Ball, F.R.C.S.I.; J. Hewitt Poole, C.E., and W. de V. 

 Kane, of Dublin ; and Joseph Wright, F.G.S., and the reader, 

 of Belfast. Leaving Queenstown at four a.m. on May 27th, 

 on board the Clyde Shipping Company's powerful steamer 

 Flying Falcon, a delightful day was passed in running down 

 the romantic coast of County Cork, under a cloudless sky, with 

 the Atlantic as calm as a millpond. Some trawling was done 

 in Long Island Sound and Bantry Bay en route, and at six 

 o'clock in the evening they entered the picturesque harbour of 

 Berehaven, and cast anchor for the night. The next day, 

 being Sunday, was spent quietly in harbour, and the reader 

 gave a short account of a ramble along the rocky seacoast, and 

 described the rich flora of that district, exhibiting at the same 

 time dried specimens of some of the rarer and more striking 

 plants. A start was made for the deep water at eight o'clock that 

 evening, and, steaming westward all night, a sounding was 



