258 CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON. 



the science, are not wanted, as their use may lead to more erroneous 

 conclusions than if there were no data at hand. 



While by far the major part of the present magnetic survey of the 

 globe is being done by the Department, the cordial and effective 

 cooperation received from the various magnetic organizations in 

 civilized countries should not be left unmentioned. It is also of 

 interest in this connection to record the following resolution, which 

 was passed at the request of General Rykatchew, at the meeting of 

 the International Association of Academies, held at St. Petersburg 

 last May: 



The committee, in view of the work of making a magnetic survey of the 

 globe, particularly on the oceans, undertaken by the Carnegie Institution 

 of Washington, resolves that it is of the highest importance that similar 

 work be completed, as soon as possible, in those countries where no surveys 

 exist or where they have been made at epochs relatively distant from those 

 of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. 



WORK IN WASHINGTON. 



The most noteworthy event to be chronicled under this head dur- 

 ing the year is the purchase of a tract, comprising about 7 acres, 

 admirably located in the vicinity of Rock Creek Park, about a mile 

 to the north of the Bureau of Standards and the Geophysical Labor- 

 atory, and the erection thereon of a fireproof building 51 by 102 

 feet, consisting of basement, two stories, attic, and observation-roof. 

 The erection of this building, designed by Mr. Waddy B. Wood, 

 in accordance with the preliminary plans drawn up by Mr. Fleming 

 of the Department, was begun in May last, and, according to the 

 present rate of progress by the builders, the Davis Construction 

 Company, of Washington, it is expected that the Department may 

 occupy its new quarters early in 1914. Mr. Fleming has had general 

 supervision of the construction of the building. 



The basement will provide quarters for the instrument-shop and 

 storage of instruments. The first floor will be devoted to a magnetic 

 laboratory and experimental work in connection with the field-obser- 

 vational work. For certain experiments there will also be available 

 two rooms in the basement, as also two constant-temperature rooms in 

 the sub-basement. The office, computing rooms, library, and archives 

 will occupy the second floor. The attic and roof are designed to 

 meet the requirements of special observational and experimental 

 work. 



The grounds are ample and are sufficiently remote from disturbing 

 influences, so that the testing and comparisons of magnetic instruments 

 and w^ork in atmospheric electricity may be successfully carried on. 

 The Department will thus in future enjoy exceptional facilities for 

 its work. 



