54 THE LAST CRUISE OF THE CARNEGIE 



strength against the eflPect of the Earth's magnetism. In other 

 words, we find how far a measured artificial magnetic field de- 

 flects the compass from its normal position. 



Modern magnetic charts of all oceans are based largely on the 

 work of the Carnegie. So promptly are our observations com- 

 puted and forwarded to the world's hydrographers, that the 

 "Variation Chart for 1930," published in October, 1929, by the 

 United States Navy, included our measurements through Sep- 

 tember. These charts are used, of course, by air-pilots as well 

 as by mariners. 



The cabin on the Carnegie occupies the space ordinarily used 

 for cargo on a sailing ship. It can be entered by companion ways 

 from the quarter-deck or from the chart-room. Although there 

 are no port-holes, because the room is below the water-line, good 

 ventilation and light are afforded by several large skylights. 

 Everything possible was done to make our living quarters com- 

 fortable. Each observer had his own stateroom, a wise pro- 

 vision, because the working hours for some of the men were very 

 irregular. Each one could decorate his room in his own way, 

 and could secure a semblance of privacy. 



In the cabin is the ship's library. There are books of reference, 

 technical handbooks, general literature, and an extraordinary 

 collection of books of polar exploration and oceanography. In 

 addition, each man has ample space in his stateroom for his 

 personal choice of reading. 



There is a splendid phonograph with a good assortment of 

 records, bought chiefly by the observers themselves. A card- 

 table near the library was occasionally swept clear of typewriters 

 and account books for a game of bridge or poker. Photograph 

 albums and a highly-prized guest-book lie in a corner of the 

 book-shelf. This register contains many famous names from 

 every corner of the Earth, and was one of the two books rescued 

 from the flames in Samoa. 



The center of the room is taken up by our dining-table. Around 

 this are eight ordinary cane-bottomed bent-wood chairs, with 

 brass screws instead of iron ones. They are not fixed to the 

 floor as in most vessels. This little detail did much to disguise 



