310 



Anniversary Meeting. 



[Nov. 30, 



obtaining by the present transit a geometrical determination of the 

 parallax of the sun, which would not soon be surpassed in accuracy 

 by other recent methods (for example, that suggested by Mr. Gill), 

 methods which are capable of being repeatedly employed, and that 

 without any costly expeditions. 



" Further, although it must be admitted that so rare an opportunity 

 of studying the atmosphere of the planet ought not to be neglected, 

 yet it seems certain that many and excellent data will be obtained 

 through the agency of the United States, as well as by other 

 countries having well provided observatories in the southern hemi- 

 sphere, as well as by other seafaring nations." Under these circum- 

 stances Russia has not considered it incumbent on itself to organise 

 any observing parties. 



Spain has sent two parties of naval officers, well equipped with 

 6-inch equatoreals and other instruments, to the Havana and Porto 

 Rico. 



Last year I expressed a hope that the difference of longitude 

 between Singapore and Port Darwin in Australia would be deter- 

 mined by Commander Green of the United States' Navy in concert 

 with Mr. Todd. This operation, however, in consequence of some 

 incorrect information furnished to Commander Green as to the 

 intentions of our home authorities in the matter, was not carried 

 out. After various proposals, extending over a period of not less 

 than two years, I am happy to say that it now appears likely that 

 the work will be performed. Through the liberality of the Secre- 

 tary of State for War an extension of leave has been granted 

 to Lieutenant Darwin, who accompanies Captain Morris to Brisbane 

 to observe the transit of Yenus, enabling him to undertake the 

 work. He has received instructions to arrange with Mr. Todd all 

 details of the operation. The publication of the results obtained 

 by Oudemans and Pogson for the difference of longitude between 

 Madras and Singapore has now left only one link wanting, namely, 

 that between Batavia and Port Darwin, to connect Australian with 

 English longitudes. Lieutenant Darwin is eminently qualified for 

 the work; and it seems a happy coincidence that it should fall 

 to his lot to connect astronomically the distant port named after 

 his father with the furthest ascertained point in that direction. 

 I should not omit to add that Mr. Todd has placed all the telegraphic 

 appliances under his command at the disposal of this service, and it is 

 to be hoped that the determination will prove as useful to the Austra- 

 lian colonies as it will be valuable for the purposes of the transit, 

 The best thanks of the Committee have already been given, but I am 

 glad here publicly to recognise the valuable assistance rendered to 

 the Committee in these long negotiations by the Great Eastern 

 Telegraph Company. 



