4 Introductory Paper . 
Under the head of Geology, it is proposed to bring 
together, as far as our means of information may extend, 
such facts as may contribute towards a systematic know¬ 
ledge of the inineralogical characters, the relative posi¬ 
tion, and fossil contents of the various rocks of this 
Island; a most interesting field of research, which is as 
yet unexplored. 
In Meteorology it is proposed to give the daily instru¬ 
mental observations made at Port Arthur, together with 
such additional facts and observations as may be obtained 
from other parts of the country, in elucidation of the 
laws and character of our climate. 
In this and other departments very important assistance 
is anticipated from the Magnetic Observatory about to be 
established at Hobart Town, by the authority of the 
Home Government.* 
But while we consider Tasmania to have the first claim 
upon our attention, we shall not fail, whenever an avail¬ 
able opportunity presents itself, to furnish information 
upon subjects of scientific interest in the other countries 
of Australasia. With this view steps have already been 
taken to put the Society in correspondence with intelli¬ 
gent individuals in the adjacent Colonies ; and, from what 
has already transpired, sanguine expectations are enter¬ 
tained of our being able to carry this important object 
into effect. 
It may also be deemed advisable to have a Miscella¬ 
neous Division, both for including original articles not 
falling under any of the preceding heads, but which the 
Society may think it advantageous to publish, and par¬ 
ticularly for furnishing our Colonial readers with occa- 
J liis, and most of the other papers in the first number of the 
Journal, an ere written before the arrival of the Expedition under 
Captain Ross; but circumstances occurred to delay their publica¬ 
tion. 
