X. Contributions to terrestrial magnetism.—No. V

In the present number of these Contributions, I have the pleasure of laying before the Royal Society the magnetic observations made by Captain James Clark Ross, and the Expedition under his command, in the first of the three voyages in which these researches have been prosecuted within the Antarctic Circle; and I gladly avail myself of the opportunity which the occasion affords, of congratulating the Society on the successful completion of the labours and on the approaching return, of an Expedition, in which the Fellows individually, and as a body, have taken so strong an interest. A large portion of the observations contained in this number were made in southern latitudes never before reached by man; and nearly the whole in a part of the globe extremely difficult of access, but containing within itself a field for researches peculiarly needed for completing and perfecting, in the words of Halley, “the abstruse theory of terrestrial magnetism.” In presenting to the Royal Society this portion of the results of an arduous enterprise, undertaken at their recommendation, it appears no improper departure from the usual tone of these communications, to allude very briefly to the causes which, under Providence, have conduced to its safe and successful issue;—to the admirable preparation and equipment of the vessels on the part of the Government,—to the high qualities of its Commander, manifested in conducting to its close, almost without an accident, and to the fullest accomplishment of its objects, a service of such duration and peculiar hazard,—and to the excellent spirit in which the Commander has been seconded by Captain Crozier, and supported by the officers and seamen who have been their worthy associates.