378 
APPENDIX. 
particularly called to the expenditure of wood, and every precaution 
is enjoined for its economical consumption. 
The monthly returns will not only embrace the actual condition of 
the provisions and stores, but the quantity of wood, water, &c, on 
hand, and expended. 
Charles Wilkes, 
Commanding Exploring Expedition. 
U. S. Ship Vincennes, 
Hampton Roads, August 14th, 1838. 
X. 
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS RELATIVE TO OBSERVATIONS. 
The surgeon and his assistants will take the meteorological obser- 
vations at 3 p. m., 9 p. m., 3 a. m., and 9 a. m. ; viz., the standing of 
barometer, thermometer, and hygrometer. 
The temperature at the masthead, and that of the water, wind, 
weather, and the force of the wind, the quantity of rain, &c. ; the 
officers of the watch will note, and make any remarks of their own, 
regarding facts that may have occurred, (during their watch,) in the 
meteorological journal : all astronomical and atmospherical pheno- 
mena, it is desired may claim attention, and be noted under their 
respective heads. Astronomical phenomena, such as shooting stars, 
zodiacal lights, aurora borealis, the height of their arcs, their colours, 
&c, measured, and the direction they take in the heavens. Atmo- 
spherical phenomena, such as rainbows, halos, water-spouts, lightning, 
appearance of the clouds, rain, the Magellanic clouds, to be noted 
when first observed ; in short, any unusual appearance connected 
with the weather. 
Of the sea, all phosphorescent lights, fishes, and all substances 
adhering to weeds, must not fail to claim attention, and specimens of 
them obtained. Fish caught must be preserved till opened in the 
presence of an officer, and their stomachs carefully examined, and if 
any thing is found, it must be taken care of. 
Things and animals that might in ordinary cases be deemed 
troublesome and useless, are not to be lost sight of, but are to be 
picked up for examination. 
