| Description | Concerning the suggestion of the governor of New South Wales [Sir William Dension] to create a publication of the zoology, geology and botany of the Empire, with the support of Edward Lytton. Replies that the President and Council have decided to associate themselves with the presidents of the Linnean and Geology and the Zoological Department of the British Museum (Dr Owen), and considers the undertaking to be of great importance to science. Adds that the inclusion of terrestrial and atmospheric forces will constitute a most complete form. Suggests for practical reasons to divide the project into geographic groups, which are listed. India has not been included as it is not under a colonial department and extensive work has already been done there by the likes of Elliot, Hooker, Thomson, Falconer and Schlafuitweit. Suggests a circular from the Colonial office to be sent around the Colonial Governors to establish scientific institutes in the respective groups and for the government to offer financial assistance. Also suggests the Geological Survey of Great Britain can superintendent the publication of the groups as the papers come in, with external help from botany and zoology, particularly Sir W Hooker, superintendent of the Botanical Gardens of Kew. States the Secretary of State might be able to compose a list of scientific persons needed. |