Section III., 1899. [ 3 ] Trans. R. S. C. 



I. — A Trigonometrical Survey for Canada ; Presidential Address to Section. 



By Professor C. H. McLeod, Ma.E. 



(Read May 23rd, 1899). 



The subject matter of the Presidential Addresses to Section Three 

 does not seem to have been based upon any general plan. Some of my 

 distinguished predecessors have limited themselves to a brief review of 

 the events of the year, more particularly as regards matters of our imme- 

 diate concern ; while others have availed themselves of the opportunity 

 which the position afforded them to discuss some subject in which they 

 themselves have been particularly interested, and to which reference 

 at the moment seemed specially opportune. 



Since I find myself in precisely this latter position and precedent 

 affords me the choice, I would ask the section to give a few minutes to 

 the consideration of a subject, which is not only of very great interest 

 to myself, but also, I feel certain, to the section as a whole. It is the 

 position in which we in Canada stand to-day in regard to a thoroughly 

 reliable trigonometrical survey of our country ; and our obligation to 

 the nations of the world, to furnish our quota of geodetic data : data 

 which can only be obtained by ourselves,, and which the scientific world 

 has a right to demand of us. 



At my suggestion. Dr. Pritchett, Superintendent of the U.S. Coast 

 and Geodetic Survey, attended the meeting of this society one year ago, 

 for the purpose of seeking our co-operation in a programme of inter- 

 national work on the North American continent. In presenting his 

 case, he gave an instructive account of the geodetic work in progress in 

 the United States, and referring to the general progress of Geodesy, he 

 pointed out the very important results which are being obtained byi 

 co-operation between the various countries through the agency of the 

 International Geodetic Association, an organization which comprises 

 within its membership practically all the nations of the civilized world. 



Dr. Pritchett's proposals were very heartily approved by the section. 

 A committee was appointed to urge the importance of the work, and, if 

 possible, to secure its authorization by our Government and the neces- 

 sar}^ money grant in aid of it. A memorial has been addressed to the 

 Governor-General in Council, but I am not aware that anything beyond 

 a formal acknowledgment has been received in reply. It is also under- 

 stood that the United States government has sought directly the co-oper- 

 ation of our Canadian government in connection with the project. 



