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coast is, at certain seasons of the year, enveloped in dense fogs, while the remaining portion is, during the continuance of certain winds, subject to weather so thick as almost to equal in density a fog; that gales of wind arise suddenly and not unfrequently; that typhoons are liable to occur at certain seasons; and in addition there are the facts that, in many places, on the southern coast especially, the water is so deep close to the shore that the lead—generally the seaman’s best friend—gives but little warning of the approach to danger, and that outlying rocks and small islands are very numerous. The mariner, therefore, who has to guide a vessel along the coasts of Japan has his vigilance taxed to the utmost, and his skill and judgment put to the severest tests to ensure the safety of the lives and property which are placed under his care.
The minutes of the last general meeting were read and confirmed, and the names of new members announced, as followss:—
Elected at a council meeting held on the 18th of March:—The Hon. C. C. Smith, and Mr. G. P. Ness. Elected at a council meeting held on the 1st of April:—Mr. C. Brennwald, of Yokohama, Messrs. M. O. Flowers, Henry Gribble, H. A. Howe, Junr., Duer, and Hunt, of Nagasaki, Messrs. Edward Dillon, B.A., F.C.S., Wm. Gowland, F.C.S., R. Maclagan, Wm. Smith, C.S., and H. W. Wheeler, of Osaka, Messrs. R. Eusden, J. A. Albinson, Wilson, and Dr. Eldridge, of Hakodate, and Sir John Smale, of Hongkong.
The donations, by Dr. Hepburn of a copy of his Japanese Dictionary, and of $10 from Ch. de Groote, Esq., were acknowledged.
A paper on “Winds and Currents in the vicinity of the Japanese Islands” was then read, in the absence of the author Captain A. R. Brown, by R. H. Brunton, Esq.
The President tendered the thanks of the Society to Captain Brown for his valuable paper.
The Rey. E. W. Syle regretted the absence of the Naval gentlemen whose attendance had been especially invited for this occasion. The subject of currents off the shores and
