136 THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA. [chap. hi. 



Lewis sliould then be worked in the like careM manner ; and as 

 the ' cold area ' would here be encountered, special attention 

 should be given to the determination of its boundaries, and of 

 the sources of its climatic peculiarity. These would probably 

 require the extension of the survey for some distance in a N.E. 

 direction, which would carry the vessel into the neighbourhood 

 of the Shetland Isles ; and Lerwick would then be a suitable 

 port for supplies. Whatever time might then remain would be 

 advantageously employed in dredging at such a distance round 

 the Shetlands as would give depths of from 250 to 400 fathoms, 

 Mr. G-wyn Jeffreys' dredgings in that locality having been limited 

 to 200 fathoms. 



" The Natujal-History work of such an Expedition should be 

 prosecuted under the direction of a Chief (who need not, how- 

 ever, be the same throughout), aided by two competent Assistants 

 (to be provided by the Eoyal Society), who should be engaged 

 for the whole Cruise. Mr. Gwyn Jeffreys is ready to take charge 

 of it during the first five or six weeks, say, to the end of June, 

 when Professor Wyville Thomson would be prepared to take his 

 place ; and Dr. Carpenter would be able to join the Expedition 

 early in August, remaining with it to the end. It would be a 

 great advantage if the Surgeon appointed to the Ship should 

 have sufficient knowledge of Natural History, and sufficient 

 interest in the inquiry, to participate in the work. 



" The experience of the previous Expedition will furnish 

 adequate guidance as to the appliances which it would be 

 necessary to ask the G-overnment to provide, in case they accede 

 to the present application. 



"With reference to the Scientific instruments and apparatus 

 to be provided by the Eoyal Society, the Committee recommend 

 that the detailed consideration of them be referred to a Special 

 Committee, consisting of gentlemen practically conversant with 

 the construction and working of such instruments." 



Eesolved, — That the Eeport now read be received and adopted, 

 and that application be made to Her Majesty's Government 

 accordingly. 



