154 The Ocean — its Currents, Tides, Depth, 



additional observations, he reduces the motions of each of 

 the two oceans to systems of revolving, re-entering currents ; 

 one such circle, or orbit, existing in each case to the north 

 and south of the equator. 



The currents of the ocean are so complex and numerous, 

 that it is not to be expected we can obtain all the requisite 

 materials to form a correct view from ordinary navigators 

 who are occupied in trade and commerce. And this brings 

 me back to a point on which I dwelt last year : — or an ex- 

 pedition ad hoc, and entirely devoted to the survey of the 

 Tides of the Ocean. Such an expedition, connected as it 

 must be with a special attention to the currents, would, 1 

 repeat, be truly worthy of this maritime nation, and all geo- 

 graphers would rejoice if its conduct were confided to our 

 associate Captain Fitzroy, whose tried capacity as a naval 

 surveyor and sound nautical accomplishments particularly 

 qualify him for such an employment. For we must recollect, 

 that in addition to the researches of Sir John Lubbock in this 

 country, and those of Professor Bache in the United States, 

 the able, consecutive, and elaborate investigations of Dr 

 Whewell, founded on real data, have led far towards the 

 establishment of definite laws respecting the tides. It is 

 therefore much to be desired that the naval authorities of 

 Great Britain, honouring these skilful gratuitous labours, 

 should without delay accede to the prayer of the British 

 Association, and send out such an expedition as is here pro- 

 posed — one which would enable Dr Whewell to complete a 

 generalization worthy of this age of inquiry, and of the great- 

 est utility to navigation. 



In the meantime it is a subject of congratulation that a 

 peer of the realm distinguished for his acquirements in astro- 

 nomical science, sustaining the same objects for which we 

 are contending in common with the British Association and 

 the Royal Society, should have brought this important sub- 

 ject before Parliament, directing specially the attention of 

 the Upper House to the very great importance of such obser- 

 vations and generalizations as those of Lieut. Maury of the 

 United States Navy. This meritorious officer, some of whose 

 researches were adverted to by my predecessor, has recently 



