History of the Kew Observatory. 



71 



1883. In this year the Committee decided to make a trial of a 

 system of watch-rating for the public, and granted 100Z. for the 

 preliminary expenses. In accordance with a scheme prepared by the 

 Superintendent, they fitted up in the Observatory a first-class burglar- 

 and fire-proof safe for the safe custody of the watches. In the next 

 year's Report we learn that the arrangements for rating watches 

 mentioned in last year's Report had been completed and brought into 

 operation successfully, at a cost of 193?. 



1884. A second safe having been purchased by the Committee, an 

 apparatus was fitted to it which enables the enclosed watches to be 

 maintained continuously at either high or low temperatures, whichever 

 may be required, and furthermore without being subjected to injury 

 by fumes of gas in the former case. 



The following was the constitution of the Kew Committee at the 

 close of the year 1884 : — 



Mr. W. de la Rue, Chairman. 

 Captain W. de W. Abney, R.E. 

 Professor W. G. Adams. 

 Captain Sir F. Evans, K.C.B. 

 Professor Gr. C. Foster. 

 Mr. F. Galton. 



Admiral Sir G. H. Richards, C.B. 



The Earl of Rosse. 



Mr. R. H. Scott. 



Lieut. -General W. J. S my the. 



Lieut.- General R. Strachey, C.S.L 



Mr. B. Walker. 



The staff employed at the same date was as follows : — 



G. M. Whipple, B.Sc, Superintendent. 



T. W. Baker, Chief Assistant and Magnetic Observer. 

 J. Foster. 



H. McLaughlin. 

 E. G. Constable. 

 T. Gunter. 

 With five juniors. 



