xii 
INTRODUCTION. 
XXXII. They were told that if each one would agree to co-op- 
erate in a general plan of observations at sea, and would send reg- 
ularly, at the end of every cruise, an abstract log of their voyage to 
the National Observatory at "Washington, he should, for so doing, 
be furnished, free of cost, with a copy of the charts and sailing di- 
rections that might be founded upon those observations. 
XXXIII. The quick, practical mind of the American ship-mas- 
ter took hold of the proposition at once. To him the field was in- 
viting, for he saw in it the promise of a rich harvest and of many 
useful results. 
XXXIY. So, in a little while, there were more than a thousand 
navigators engaged day and night, and in all parts of the ocean, in 
making and recording observations according to a uniform plan, 
and in furthering this attempt to increase our knowledge as to the 
winds and currents of the sea, and other phenomena that relate to 
its safe navigation and physical geography. 
XXXY. To enlist the service of such a large corps of observers, 
and to have the attention of so many clever and observant men di- 
rected to the same subject, was a great point gained : it was a 
giant stride in the advancement of knowledge, and a great step to- 
ward its spread upon the waters. 
XXXYI. Important results soon followed, and great discoveries 
were made. These attracted the attention of the commercial 
world, and did not escape the notice of philosophers every where. 
XXXYII. The field was immense, the harvest was plenteous, 
and there was both need and room for more laborers. Whatever 
the reapers should gather, or the merest gleaner collect, was to in- 
ure to the benefit of commerce and navigation — the increase of 
knowledge — the good of all. y* 
XXXYIII. Therefore, all who use the sea were equally interest- 
ed in the undertaking. The government of the United States, so 
considering the matter, proposed a uniform system of observations 
at sea, and invited all the maritime states of Christendom to a con- 
ference upon the subject. 
XXXIX. This conference, consisting of representatives from 
France, England and Russia, from Sweden and Norway, Holland, 
Denmark, Belgium, Portugal, and the United States, met in Brus- 
sels, August 23, 1853, and recommended a plan of observations 
