400 SURVEY OP THE COAST 



such stations rnore particularly as are made for the series 

 of the observations of latitude ; without however excluding 

 the observations of occultations or eclipses, which may occur 

 on any station, and which it would never be proper to omit. 



Those observations only deserve complete reliance, in 

 any kii;d and case whatever, which are made under proper 

 arrangements, and with ease to the observer. A strong glare 

 of light which dazzles the eye, and an inconvenient position 

 of the body must always prevent the accurate pointing of 

 the instrument and reading of the arcs. The ease and con- 

 venience of the observer are therefore not luxuries, but are 

 necessary to the accuracy of the observations. 



Though a detailed account of the work of the survey of 

 the coast executed during the year 1817, in wliich I worked 

 at it, would not be of any general interest, and could not in 

 fact be given, as my papers have been delivered to the go- 

 vernment, yet I will present here, by way of record, a sketch 

 of the principal triangles executed either fully or partially, 

 and add a few notices, which may give an idea of the ar- 

 rangement and plan of the work, and of the accuracy ob- 

 tained. 



It is evident, that of the accuracy which 1 aimed at nothing 

 could be abated, if the work were to be such as ought to be 

 expected in the present improved state of science. The 

 chance of an accumulation of errors upon such a long extent 

 of sea-coast as that of the United States, particularly in the 

 direction in which it lies, would have been too great, the 

 consequences of a want of system and care would have be- 

 come too glaring, not to bring discredit and shame upon a 

 less accurate operation. ' 



The different parts of the work would have given occasion 

 to make a number of determinations of the length of degrees 

 of longitude and latitude. From its extent and position, it 

 would have had particular interest, and might have served 

 as the foundation of a system of weights and measures for 

 this country. 



The principal base line was of somewhat more than nine 



