to determine the Figure of the Earth. 125 
I left Paris in the beginning of May last year, carrying with _ 
“me the apparatus made use of in other points of the meridian: 
a repeating circle by M. Fortin, an astronomical clock and chro- 
nometers by M. Breguet ;—in fine, every thing necessary for the 
observations. ‘Orders from the English government, obtained 
through the vigilant intervention of Sir Joseph Banks, awaited 
our arrival.at Dover. The whole was sent to me quite entire, 
under the seal of the Customs, without fees, without inspection, 
as if | had not passed from one country into another. Every thing 
was protected with the same care in the carriage to London, 
and was at last deposited in the house of Sir Joseph Banks. 
How can I describe what I felt for the first time on seeing the 
venerable companion of Cook, rendered illustrious by his long 
voyages, remarkable for a stretch of mind and an elevation of 
feeling which interest him in the progress of every species of hu- 
man knowledge! Possessing high rank, an independent fortune; 
and universal respect, SirJoseph has rendered all these advantages 
the patrimony of the learned of all nations. So simple, so easy 
in his kindness, it almost seems as if he felt the obligation were 
on his part; and at the same time he is so good that he leaves 
us all the pleasure of gratitude. What a noble example of a 
protection, whose sole authority is founded in esteem, respect, 
free and voluntary confidence; whose titles consist only in an in= 
exhaustible good will, and in the recollection of services rendered; 
and the long and uncontested possession of which necessarily 
supposes rare virtues and an exquisite delicacy, more especially 
when we recollect that all this power is formed, ‘maintained and 
exercised among equals ! ast 
Favoured by these honourable auspices, every thing becam 
easy. Colonel Mudge, who had shown himself most favourably 
disposed towards our enterprise, seconded it by every means in 
his power. We left Edinburgh together, and fixed our first sta= 
tion in the Fort of Leith, where Colonel Elphinston, the com- 
mandant, afforded us all the accommodation in his power. I 
required a situation where the view was open, and also sheltered, 
to erect my circle. I constructed a portable observatory which 
could be taken down at pleasure, so.as to allow me to make obser- 
vations on all the sides of the horizon. It was necessary, 
however, that the apparatus of the pendulum should be fixed 
with-solidity ; and for this purpose stones of the weight of sixty 
quintals were fixed in thick walls with iron chains. Every thing 
that could be useful was lavished upon me, and if my observa- 
tions were incorrect it was my own fault. Unfortunately the 
health of Colonel Mudge did not permit him to accompany me; 
but his place was supplied by one’ of his sons, Captain Richard 
Mudge, with whom I completed my labours. | After they were 
finished 
£ 
