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logical department of the Board of Trade and to report thereon 
before the vacant directorship was filled up, and this committee 
was specially enjoined to consider the Forecasts as to their basis, 
and value. Their report was adverse, on the ground that sufficient 
data on which to found reliable predictions had not been ac- 
cumulated ; but this their expression of opinion was strangely at 
variance with the body of evidence to the contrary laid before 
them, and actually printed by them in their Blue Book. 
They addressed through one of the permanent officials of the 
Board of Trade to persons occupyiug official positions at various 
seaports, collectors of customs, secretaries to marine boards, and 
the like, the following very peculiarly worded question. “ What 
is the opinion of seafaring men concerning the value of the late 
Admiral Fitz-Boy’s signals? Can you help us by telling me 
what is thought of them by those most competent to judge.” 
[in your locality] ? 
The answers were, with one exception, highly favourable to 
the Fitz-Boy system. The following are some samples of them. 
<c The utility of the signals is generally acknowledged, and for 
some time back the subject has obtained more attention among 
seafaring men. The signals for a considerable time have been 
very accurate.” Thus wrote a competent person at Aberdeen. 
Dundee said 66 The correctness of the storm signals at this port 
is a matter of common remark ; they are very generally appre- 
ciated.” The Shipowners’ Society of South Shields state that 
“ the exhibition of the storm signals is of much practical value 
by giving timely warning of approaching storms.” The testi- 
mony from Deal is very emphatic : — “ There is but one opinion 
concerning the value of the signals. They have been the means 
of saving life and property to an immense amount.” The other 
favourable answers were all couched in much the same terms. 
And in regard to the one hostile opinion it is worth mentioning 
that the writer (who hails from Plymouth) seems carefully to 
guard himself. He takes shelter under the very vague phrase, 
“ Those most likely to be infoimied on the subject do not con- 
sider that the signals are in any degree of value to seafaring 
persons.” It must I think be conceded that this expression of 
opinion would have been more satisfactory had some degree of 
particularity characterised it, had there been some statistics, 
some actual record of the facts (if any) on which it was grounded. 
Considering the unanimity prevailing amongst the representa- 
tives of the mercantile marine on the subject and the untiring 
efforts they have made to get the system again set on its legs, 
one is not a little puzzled to understand by what process of 
reasoning the committee arrived at what I venture to call their 
astonishing conclusion. “ There is as yet no scientific basis for 
these daily forecasts, they are not shown to be correct in point of 
