280 
MINUTES OE PEOCEEDINGS OF 
6 . Languages. —The classes for the Study of the French and German 
languages have met as usual, intermitting only the periods of the summer 
and winter vacations at the B. M. Academy. 
7. Surveying and Practical Astronomy. —During the past year several 
Officers have taken advantage of the Institution, to obtain a knowledge of 
these branches. They have received instruction in finding latitude and 
longitude, in working lunar observations, in the use of the transit, and 
altitude and azimuth instrument. 
It is expected that very shortly Mr Barlow's large telescope will be 
mounted at the Observatory, when various celestial objects may be viewed 
by its aid. 
8 . Photography. —The Photographic rooms and apparatus were never 
in such good working order as at the present time. The Committee are 
partly indebted for the improvements that have been effected to the advice 
and practical knowledge of Lieut.-Colonel Desborough. 
A small portrait- camera and lens, for “ carte de visite ” likenesses, has 
been added, and has afforded entertainment to many. 
As the season advances, a Class will be formed for instruction, as was 
done last year, only under different auspices.* 
9. Chemistry. —The Chemistry Class, under the able instruction of 
Mr Bloxam, has met once a week, with the usual intervals at Midsummer 
and Christmas. Every member is free to pursue his researches, at his own 
discretion, during the week. 
10. Taxidermy. —It is to be regretted that this Class has not been 
resumed at the Institution. But the Committee are glad to learn that, both 
at the upper and lower Cadet Barracks, Mr Whitely has pupils who work 
with him during their spare time. The Lieut.-Governor and the Inspector 
of Studies recognize the wholesome character of such a pursuit—leading as 
it often does to a thorough love for ornithology, and bringing to the sports¬ 
man a new resource. 
The gentlemen who, as Officers, have contributed most ably to the Natural 
History Museum, are for the most part those who took up this pastime as 
Cadets. It may be permitted here to mention with interest one who, having 
left the Eegiment, still adds liberally to his former gifts, who is now 
engaged in geographical exploration, and in widening his knowledge of 
Natural History; the Committee refer to Captain Blakiston, who last year 
received, for his enterprising survey of the “ Yang-tse-Kiang,” the Gold 
Medal of the Geographical Society. 
11. Drawing. —Mr Aaron Penley continues to have a large Class of 
Officers for landscape drawing. 
This Class has since been formed, and has commenced work. 
