DEPARTMENT OF TERRESTRIAL MAGNETISM. 277 



Magnetician H. W. Fisk, accompanied by Observer J. T. Howard, made special studies of 

 the interesting magnetic anomaly in Bermuda. The most important questions in con- 

 nection with these studies are whether the existence of the anomaly affects the rate of 

 secular variation, whether any change in the diurnal-variation curves can be ascribed to 

 the presence of a disturbing force, and the depths, positions, and composition of the disturb- 

 ing masses. In addition to repeat observations at the five primary C. I. W. stations of 

 1907, about 100 auxiliary stations were established for charting the magnetic anomaly 

 and six 12-hour series of diurnal-variation observations were made for each of the three 

 magnetic elements. 



8. Islands, Pacific Ocean. — Observer Donald G. Coleman continued his work in the Pacific 

 islands, reoccupying stations previously established by the Department, as well as securing 

 distribution data at a number of new stations. In spite of some difficulties encountered in 

 getting about among the various groups, he occupied 10 stations in the Solomon Islands and 

 New Britain and 9 stations in New Guinea. Upon the completion of observations in 

 Australia and New Zealand (see p. 275), he proceeded to the Society Islands, observing at a 

 new station on Rarotonga Island en route. After observing at C. I. W. stations Point 

 Fareute and Papeete, Tahiti, Mr. Coleman carried out an expedition, between April 29 and 

 June 9, on small copra-trading schooners to the Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands, occupying 

 2 stations in the first group and 4 stations in the second group. After again reoccupying the 

 station Point Fareute on June 13, Mr. Coleman departed for Rarotonga Island June 14 

 where extensive series of diurnal-variation observations were made at 2 stations on that, 

 island. The Director met Mr. Coleman at Rarotonga on July 15. 



OBSERVATORY WORK.^ 



The achievements during the year, under this head, briefly stated, are 

 as follows: 



Watheroo Magnetic Observatory, Western Australia. — On December 1, 1921, 

 the charge of the Observatory was transferred to Dr. G. R. Wait, and Mr. 

 Parkinson, formerly in charge, afforded a much-needed relief. Mr. Shearer, 

 in view of the experience gained and qualifications shown, was promoted to 

 an observership and has served throughout the year as Dr. Wait's chief 

 assistant. Continuous records of the numerous fluctuations in the Earth's 

 magnetism have been obtained the entire year at this advantageously located 

 station. Furthermore, atmospheric-electric instruments were installed dur- 

 ing the year and arrangements were completed, during the Director's inspec- 

 tion visit, June 17-20, for the installations to obtain continuous photographic 

 records of the fluctuations of the electric currents circulating in the Earth's 

 crust, a matter of no little concern and interest in telegraphic transmission, 

 as was pointed out in the previous year's report. Thus, before long the 

 Watheroo Observatory will be the most completely equipped in the Southern 

 Hemisphere for investigations relating to terrestrial magnetism, atmospheric 

 electricity, and telluric currents. The Director reported his favorable im- 

 pression of what had been accomplished by all concerned and remarked upon 

 the general interest shown by government officials and leading men of Western 

 Australia. 



Huancayo Magnetic Observatory, Peru. — Despite unavoidable delays, such 

 good progress was made in the constructional work that it was possible for 

 Mr. W. F. Wallis, who has continued in charge of the observatory, to begin 

 the photographic magnetic work on March 1, 1922. Since then continuous 

 protographic records of the magnetic fluctuations at this high mountain station, 

 practically on the magnetic equator, have been obtained. During the year 

 further satisfactory progress was made with the accessory structures required 

 for the full program of work. It is hoped that by the end of the year the 

 first of the instruments for photographically recording changes in the electric 

 condition of the atmosphere may also be in course of installation. Owing 

 to the great elevation above sea of the Observatory, 11,000 feet, it is not 



^ From the reports of J. A. Fleming, assistant director, and of the observers-in-charge. 



