124 Land Magnetic Observations, 1911-13 



We finally left Algiers January 26, 1912. En route from Orleansville to Tiaret, the 

 observing-tent went astraj', causing a week's loss, but it was finally recovered through the 

 prompt assistance of the iVmerican consular agent, Mr. Elford. From Tiaret the journey 

 was continued to Bedeau, Saida, Le Kreider, Ain Sefra, Colomb-Bechar, and then back to 

 Beni-Ounif and to Oran. It was not found feasible to make observations in the vicinity 

 of the previous station established by M. Moureaux at Oran, the site being near a masked 

 battery. A new station in a more favorable place was therefore selected. 



From Oran I went by sea to Nemour.s and then to Melilla, at which place a detach- 

 ment of 4 gendarmes and 5 or 6 soldiers kept guard while I was making the desired 

 magnetic observations. Thence I proceeded by sea to Tangier, where instructions dated 

 March 1.3, 1912, relating to program of further work in Africa, were received. In accord- 

 ance with these instructions. Observer D. W. Berky arrived at Gibraltar March 28 and was 

 instructed in methods of field work at Gibraltar and Tangier. We left Tangier together on 

 May 1, going to Laraish, and making observations here on May 3. At Rabat Mr. Berky 

 went ashore with the interpreter and made observations alone. At Casablanca we sepa- 

 rated, I going to Santa Cruz de Teneriffe, Canary Islands, and reoccupying en route Observer 

 Johnston's station at Las Palmas. Mr. Berky made observations at Mazagan, Saffi, and 

 Mogador, and arrived at Las Palmas about June 1; 3 days later he set out for Bathurst 

 to continue the work along the west coast of Africa. 



At Santa Cruz de Teneriffe I chartered the Ena, a fishing sloop of 44 tons, manned by 

 7 sailors and a captain. Accompanied by an interpreter, we sailed on June 9. Because of 

 \'ery high wind, it was necessary to anchor on the morning of June 10 under Morro Jable 

 Point, Fuerteventura Island. The opportunity was taken to make observations here. A 

 few minutes before completing work, tent, dip circle, and observer were hurled to the 

 ground by a violent gust of wind, but fortunately no serious damage resulted. We landed 

 at Cape Juby June 12 and were cordially received by the natives. By the advice of the 

 owner of the sloop, 2 Moors were taken on here, who proved of great value and service 

 during the voyage. Arriving at Agadir Bay June 22, and finding that we were not allowed 

 to land, sail was set for Arecife, Lanzarote Island, which place, after taking on water and 

 provisions, we left June 28, intending to go to Wady Dra'a, but instead struck the coast, 

 about 17 miles to the southward, at Cape Nachtigal. Here the native fishemien warned 

 us that a large party of Bedawi were near; the Moors were accordingly posted as sentinels 

 during the observations, which, in view of the warnings, it was deemed wise to abbreviate 

 as much as possible. A landing was made at Cape Bojador, July 5, during a violent wind; 

 it required about 2^ hours to set up the tent, and, on account of the dust and sand 

 that filled the air, it was necessary to return again the next day to complete the work. The 

 captain tried to prevail on us not to return ashore, being fearful of the natives, whom the 

 fishennen from Arecife had advised of our coming, but we were not molested. 



We arrived at Villa Cisneros, a fishing station and trading post protected by a fort 

 garrisoned by Spanish soldiers, July 7, and on July 8 called on the Governor of Rio de Oro, 

 who received and entertained us most cordially. Observations were made July 9, despite a 

 violent wind and the difficulties on account of dust and sand. There is no fresh water or 

 vegetation at Villa Cisneros, all supplies, including water, being brought from the Canary 

 Islands. The captain of the sloop tried to prevail on the governor to prevent us from making 

 further landings on the coast. The governor informed us that it was very dangerous, but 

 said that he knew we were working in the cause of science and were willing to take risks. 



Observations were made at Cape Corveiro July 12 and 13. Arriving at Cape Blanco, 

 we called on the commandant July 14 and were given permission to make observations. 

 Due to poor management of the sailors, we were upset in landing and the instruments were 

 under water. While ashore we were given shelter in the lighthouse by the keeper. The 

 observations were much disturbed by wind, sand, and dust. Leaving Cape Blanco July 17, 



