26 THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 



full report ; whea the expedition returned the interest was to a great extent over, and some other interest had 

 taken its place ; and an inadequate sum was voted which started a publication which was afterwards allowed to 

 drop. The Novaba expedition is an important exception, and Wilkes' expedition was in some departments 

 worked out admirably and fully. The collections from the French expeditions usually passed into the hands 

 of the authorities at the .Jardin des Plantes. They were frequently described at great expense by Government ; 

 but much of their value was lost from their not being published at once with the fresh details by the naturalists 

 by whom they were made. I have briefly indicated in a former letter my reasons for proposing that the whole 

 of this collection should be sent in mass to Edinburgh. From my connection with the University I can there 

 command space for storing the things, and assistance in having them looked after. The deep-sea collections, 

 which I regard as of infinitely the greatest importance, are packed in tins and in cases of large glass jars ; all 

 of these are liable to injury on the passage, and Professor Turner of Edinburgh has most kindly agreed to see 

 to them, and to have the spirit or brine renewed when necessary, and any reparable injuries repaired. 



This recommendation was adopted by tlie authorities. 



After some further correspondence, the following letter was addressed by the Secre- 

 tary of the Admiralty to Captain Thomson : — 



Admiealty, July 14, 1875. 



Sir, — I am coramanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you that, as the 

 voyage of the Challenger is approaching its termination, it is desirable that they should be in possession of 

 detailed information as to the probable expenditure which wiU be required after the ship pays off, for the final 

 disposal of the Natural History specimens collected during the voyage, as well as the arrangements for the 

 publication of an account of the Natural History portion of the proceedings of that ship. 



2. Ton are therefore to call on Professor "Wyville Thomson to report : — 



First, The steps he considers desirable for the disposal and conservation of the Natural History specimens, 

 the time to be occupied, and the number of persons he requires to assist him in that duty ; also the details of 

 the probable expenditure for that service, including salaries, for the financial year 1876-77. 



Second, The measures he would propose, so far as he can foresee, for the publication of the Natural History 

 portion of the Challenger's proceedings, with detailed explanation of the probable expenditure as above. — 

 I am, &c., (Signed) Egbert Hall. 



Captain Thomson, E.N., 



H.M.S. Challenger, Valparaiso. 



Captain Thomson handed me Admiral HaU's letter in due course, and in my reply 

 I gave an outline programme of future work, from which there has been no reason to 

 deviate materially. Some of the minor details arranged themselves somewhat differently, 

 but the general scheme was sanctioned by their Lordships, and has worked satisfactorily 

 throughout, 



H.M.S. Challenger, 



Valparaiso, Nov. 22, 1875. 



Sib, — In accordance with your instruction, dated 21st November, 1875, I have the honour to submit to 

 you a report on the steps which I consider desirable for the disposal of the Natural History specimens procured 

 during the Challenger Expedition, and the measures which I would propose for the pubUcation of the 

 Natural History portion of our proceedings. 



