6. The proposed addition of a Photobatio- graph would be so far from useful, that I disagree. It would be more useful for spectroscopic observations of the Protuberances and Sun Spots, which could be taken up with fair prospects of success.
7. But an Under-Ground Magnetic Observatory would seem to be the addition to the Equipment that is in the interests of navigation and general Science most needed.
8. It has been suggested, that the soil of Hong Kong contains so much Iron, that the circumstances in this colony would be favourable for such Observations, but I cannot understand this. It would affect the Under-Ground Self-Registering Apparatus indications only if different, as their indications are not. Nor do I see the necessity for going as far as Manilla for stones for building the Under-Ground Thermometry.
9. I am confident, that if Your Lordship could direct one to experiment with the construction of an Under-Ground Observatory, I should be able to quite easily find proper building material in the colony, and that the influence on the Self-Registering Apparatus would be insensible or next to insensible.
The cost of the apparatus, which could be ordered through the Superintendent of the Observatory, would be about £300, or to be certain £315.
10. The subject that will immediately claim attention is the organisation of meteorological stations along the southern coast of China and perhaps also on the island of Hong Kong, as well as on ships. I would venture to expect that Your Lordship will support this scheme, with the view of securing observations to form a basis for a study of the general climatic conditions, that will, it is hoped, at some future time warrant an attempt at typhoon-warning.
11. But any extension of the scheme will necessitate an augmented staff. E.g., management of the Under-Ground Magnetic Observatory would necessitate a second European Assistant at a salary of £200 a year, if not more, and free quarters, and a salary of a second Chinese clerk at £100 a year, apart from other expenses.
12. I venture to seize this opportunity of drawing Your attention to the necessity of arriving at Hong Kong immediately after appointing the Chinese Staff, which His Lordship has sanctioned, consisting of: a Clerk with £125 a year, a Servant (£8 a month) £20, and a Watchman (£10 a month) £25.
13. I would further suggest that...
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