ON  THE  PEAK  OE  TENEEIFFE. 
473 
young  Sappers  from  Chatham ; but  we  should  require  the  attendance  of  a convenient- 
sized steamer,  under  an  experienced  officer  in  hydrographical  surveying,  not  only  to 
take  out  and  bring  back  the  party,  and  to  enable  us  to  visit  and  supply  the  parties  round 
the  Peak  from  the  different  points  on  the  shore ; but  also  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
accurate  soundings,  by  which  the  configuration  of  the  ground  under  water  might  be 
known. 
“ 10th.  The  observations  which  I have  here  contemplated,  in  addition  to  those  under- 
taken by  Professor  Smyth,  are, — 
“ (1).  To  ascertain  the  difference  between  the  geodetical  and  astronomical  amplitude 
of  an  arc  of  meridian,  drawn  through  the  Peak,  from  which  to  deduce  the  mean  density 
of  the  earth. 
“ (2).  The  difference  in  the  time  of  vibration  between  a pendulum  on  the  summit 
and  near  the  level  of  the  sea,  from  which  we  can  also  deduce  the  mean  density  of  the 
earth. 
“ (3).  The  geological  structure  of  the  Peak,  and  its  mean  specific  gravity. 
“ (4).  Meteorological  observations  at  different  altitudes  in  the  trade-winds  towards 
the  equator,  and  in  the  upper  current  from  it. 
“ 11th.  The  Government  has  now  a large  number  of  steamers  fitted  out  and  suited  for 
this  purpose ; there  can  therefore  be  no  more  convenient,  as  there  can  be  no  more 
appropriate,  time  than  this,  at  the  close  of  a great  war,  for  undertaking  a scientific 
expedition,  which  will  be  hailed  with  satisfaction  by  the  whole  civilized  world,  and 
emphatically  mark  the  return  of  peace. 
“ I have  the  honour  to  be,  &c., 
(Signed)  “ Henry  James, 
Lieut.-Col.  Royal  Engineers.” 
Repoi't  of  the  Committee  apjyointed  by  the  Council  of  the  Royal  Astronomical  Society^ 
to  consider  the  recommendation  for  the  Teneriffe  Expedition. 
“ The  Committee  recommend  the  following  subjects  as  particularly  desirable  to  be 
attended  to,  so  far  as  they  do  not  interfere  with  the  more  special  objects  proposed  by 
Professor  Smyth  : — 
“ 1 . The  practicability  of  rendering  visible  the  red  prominences  on  the  margin  of  the 
sun. 
“ 2.  Observations  on  the  solar  disk  generally,  including  faculae  near  the  border,  and 
the  alleged  diminution  of  hght  towards  the  edge. 
“ 3.  Obsenations  of  the  disks  of  the  planets,  and  especially  of  Venus,  with  respect  to 
iiradiation,  and  also  to  her  atmosphere,  and  possible  satellite  and  spots,  with  the  view 
of  determining  her  rotation. 
“ 4.  Observations  on  double  stars  and  nebulse,  with  the  view  of  testing  the  effects  of  a 
purer  atmosphere,  with  especial  attention  to  Antares  and  his  companion  at  the  approach- 
ing occultations. 
3 R 2 
