98 EIGHTH REPORT — 1838. 



obstacle to reaching a high south latitude, or, at anj^ rate, of ascertain- 

 ing those spots which theory pointed out as the positions where, with 

 any degree of probability, tlie southern magnetic poles will be found. 

 The paper also mentioned the expedition to the South Seas, which has 

 just left this country, fitted out by several merchants, but chiefly under 

 the direction of that spirited individual, Mr, Enderby, whose orders 

 Avere to proceed in search of southern land, and to endeavour to attain as 

 liigh a south latitude as practicable ; and concluded with an earnest 

 appeal to the British Association, that the glorious work of discovery 

 begun by our distinguished countryman, Cook, might not be left in- 

 complete. Europe, the author observed, looks to this country to solve 

 the problem of Terrestrial Magnetism in the southern hemisphere, — 

 and unanimously points to that individual who has already planted the 

 "red cross of England" on one of the northern magnetic poles, as 

 the oflicer best fitted to be the leader of an expedition sent out for 

 such a service. 



A Summari/ Account of the various Government Surveys in Europe, 

 illustrated by specimens of the Maps of England, France, Austria, 

 Saxony, Tuscany, Sfc. ^c. By Captain Washington, R. N. 



On the recent Government-map of Mexico. By Lieutenant-Colonel 

 Velasquez de Leon. 



A brief notice was given of a map of the state of Mexico which has 

 been constructed within the last few years. The sites of the coal 

 mines near Chilpanzingo, about 100 miles south of Mexico, the iron 

 mines of Amilpas, and the tin mines of Acambay, near the north- 

 western frontier, were specified. 



Sketch of the Progress and Present State of the Trigonometrical Survey 

 in India. By Major Jervis, Surveyor- General. 



The author of this paper first gave a rapid but comprehensive sketch 

 of the physical geography of India, noting its coast line, its elevated 

 table lands, and the mountainous region of the Himalaya; he then 

 drew attention to the origin, in 1759, and to the progress, of the mea- 

 surement of the great meridional arc of 1320 geographical miles in 

 length, extending from Cape Comorin on the south, to the foot of the 

 Himalaya, and effected by Colonels Lambton and Everest ; and con- 

 cluded by an appeal to the British Association, tliat through their 

 recommendation the future progress of that survey should be conducted 

 in accordance with the present state of science in this country, and m 

 a manner worthy of the munificent liberality of the East India Com- 

 panv, by whose orders this great national work has been undertaken 

 and carried into execution. 



