SUPPLEMENTARY PAPERS. 51 
Not being satisfied with the arguments against a universal Meri- 
dian, it can be imagined my surprise when it came to my knowledge 
that a body of men so distinguished and competent as the Geogra- 
phical Society of Madrid had recommended another Meridian passing 
by the Punta de la Orchilla, the extreme western end of the Island 
of Hierro. One more Meridian, when there were so many already ! 
Desirous of understanding the reasons which prompted the Society 
to adopt such a resolution, I solicited the honour of being allowed to 
enter into the subject. This was conceded to me, and while it was 
occupying my mind I came into possession of the very valuable docu- 
ments given to the light by the Canadian Institute, and which are 
the offspring of the clear intelligence of one of its most distinguished 
members, Mr. Sandford Fleming. 
So thoroughly was I convinced by the arguments of this eminent 
engineer, and so very practical did his system seem for the creation 
of a uniform Time-reckoning for the whole world, that I resolved to 
translate his valuable paper into our language, with the view of 
founding upon it a proposition which I should ere this have pre- 
sented to the Geographical Society had not my time been wholly 
taken up by a Special Commission entrusted to me by His Excel- 
lency the Minister of Marine, Don Santiago, Duran of Lira, in con- 
nexion with the constant differences which take place between our 
fishermen and those of Portugal on our southern coasts. 
The work which follows this preface is not, strictly speaking, a 
literal translation of the paper of the distinguished member of the 
Canadian Institute, but I believe, nevertheless, that I have most 
faithfully interpreted the thoughts of the wise academician, and also 
faithfully presented the essential passages of his work. If I have 
not done so, it has not been the fault of my good will. 
Will the ideas of the author ever be adopted and put into prac- 
tice? For my part, [ think they will. The present system is inde- 
fensible, and it is only necessary to study the new method without 
prejudice, and think over the means proposed, to see their clearness. 
Will there be found people to find fault with the system? 
Undoubtedly! The electric telegraph was considered an impossi- 
bility half a century ago, and, to-day, the wires of this impossibility 
encircle our globe. 
j JUAN PASTORIN. 
Ayamonte, 30th April, 1881. 
