NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE 



249 



magnetic equipment, and suitable sites were chosen for establish- 

 ing shore-stations. This work required the continuous attention 

 of several observers for the greater part of a week. Repairs to 

 the vessel were begun. The new sounding-machine was modified 

 to hold more piano- wire. Rigging was set up and tarred down. 

 The new Nansen bottles from Norway had arrived and were 

 prepared for use. Specimens of marine life were obtained from 

 the bottom of the harbor and on the reefs. Chemical solutions 



The Beautiful Grounds of the Magnetic Observatory at Apia 



The instruments of the Carnegie were compared with those here just as they were in 

 Germany, Peru, and Japan. 



for the next stretch had to be standardized. All in all, busy days 

 under a searing sun, without the relief afforded by the trade- 

 winds, which set in only during our last day in port. 



The site chosen for the comparison of the potential-gradient 

 apparatus, was located on the reef just outside the Observatory 

 grounds. Unfortunately for Parkinson, the reef was covered with 

 water at times, and he was obliged to roll up his trousers while 

 he stood at the instrument. The experience all but confined him 

 to bed for the remainder of the stay ; for he received a merciless 

 sunburn about the legs and ankles. 



