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THE  ADMIEALTT  ASTEOXO:\nCAL  EXPEEEMEXT 
“ 5.  Solar  refraction,  in  reference  to  Professor  Thomson’s  theorj*. 
“ 6.  Determination  of  the  constant  of  atmospherical  refraction,  by  observation  of 
zenith  distance  of  circumpolar  stars. 
“7.  Observations  on  the  zodiacal  light,  with  reference  to  recent  theories. 
“ 8.  Observations  to  verify  Humboldt’s  remarks  on  the  lateral  oscillation  of  stars  near 
the  horizon,  and  on  scintillations  generally. 
“9.  Attempts  to  determine  the  polarization  of  the  light  of  asteroids  and  faint  planets. 
“ 10.  Observation  of  the  fixed  lines  in  the  solar  spectinim. 
“ 11.  The  usual  meteorological  observations,  especially  of  the  humidity  dii'ectly  by 
Daniell’s  hygrometer. 
“ 12.  Surface-radiation  from  various  substances,  and  the  intensity  of  solar  radiation. 
“ 13.  The  determination  of  the  height  of  the  Peak  by  barometer,  and  the  lowest  snow- 
line on  different  sides  of  the  mountain. 
“ 14.  The  distribution  and  limit  of  vegetation  on  the  mountain. 
“ In  proposing  this  list  of  subjects,  the  Committee  do  not  wish  to  be  imderstood  as 
pressing  all  of  them  as  of  equal  importance,  but  simply  as  suggestions  subordinate  to  the 
main  objects  of  the  expedition,  though  they  think  the  more  material  are  Xos.  1,  5,  7, 
10  and  12.  With  respect  to  No.  6,  they  also  propose  it  only  in  case  the  Professor  is 
prepared  to  undertake  such  a series  of  observations  as  would  be  necessary. 
(Signed)  “ Baden  Powell, 
“ Eobekt  ^Main, 
“ 24#A  May,  1856.”  “ E.  C.  Cakkington.” 
“ Eoyal  Society,  3rd  June,  1S56. 
“ The  President  and  Council  of  the  Eoyal  Society  have  learnt  with  satisfaction  that 
it  is  the  intention  of  Government  to  send  an  expedition  to  the  island  of  Teneriffe,  for 
the  purpose  of  observing  astronomical  phenomena  in  a locality  peculiarly  favoiu’able  for 
that  class  of  observations  which  are  most  obstructed  by  the  action  of  the  atmosphere. 
The  nature  of  these  observations,  and  the  best  mode  of  carrjdng  them  out,  have  already 
been  maturely  considered  by  Professor  Smyth,  ’svith  the  assistance  of  the  Astronomer 
Eoyal,  so  that  it  is  quite  unnecessary  for  the  Eoyal  Society  to  offer  any  suggestions  on 
that  head. 
“ But  while  the  astronomical  observations  for  which  the  expedition  was  undertaken 
must  be  the  grand  object  of  the  observer’s  attention,  there  ai’e  some  other  subjects  for 
the  investigation  of  which  the  expedition  offers  a pecuharly  favourable  opportimity.  In 
consequence  of  the  short  time  during  which  Professor  Smyth  is  likely  to  remain  on  the 
Peak,  and  the  necessary  devotion  of  his  principal  attention  to  astronomy,  it  would  be 
useless  to  suggest  any  collateral  investigations  except  such  as  could  be  carried  out  in  a 
short  time  and  with  a moderate  expenditure  of  labour ; nor  do  the  President  and  Council 
suppose  that  it  will  be  found  practicable  to  attend  to  all  the  suggestions  they  may  make, 
especially  as  the  expedition  is  so  shortly  to  sail.  The  following  suggestions  are  offered  : — 
