3o8 DISCOVERY REPORTS 



the horizontal and vertical arcs were read off simultaneously, and since the readings 

 were made through the same eyepiece, they occupied only a very short time. Usually 

 time to the nearest 0-5 sec. was taken also, and the results worked out independently by 

 both time and arc. The results were afterwards meaned according to their probable 

 relative value, assessed on the experience of the observer and the difficulties caused by 

 the conditions. A check was thus obtained where time for many sets was often lacking 

 owing to clouds, wind or drift snow. Drift snow was a constant nuisance. Even on fine 

 days, if any wind were blowing in the surrounding mountains, a great amount of loose 

 snow would blow off from them, and this, acting as it did exactly like light rain or 

 snow, was quite sufficient in quantity to prevent work with optical instruments. Many 

 fine days were wasted in this way. 



During the survey of Husvik and Busen Fjord we lived on board S.S. ' Busen', the 

 station transport vessel, and received very kindly treatment from Captain Hansen, of 

 the ' Busen ', and Mr Andersen, the Manager of the whaling station, who never hesitated 

 to give me their assistance and advice. 



Strotmiess and Leith Harbours (Charts 2, 3) 



On completion of the survey of Husvik, Stromness, which lies just north of Husvik, 

 was visited. The procedure adopted here was identical with that carried out at Husvik, 

 the only difficulty in its execution being the connection of the two triangulations. A new 

 base was measured, and although the two scales when plotted did not quite agree, the 

 two sets of observations were co-ordinated later, the difference being due to the 

 plotting between Husvik and Stromness. As there was no inner harbour, one scale was 

 used for the whole survey. The survey occupied a much shorter period than that of 

 Husvik, both because there were few shoal patches and because everyone had acquired 

 more experience. 



For reasons already given in reference to the Husvik survey, practically no sights were 

 taken. The coast being rather featureless, and of small value, no coast-lining was done 

 except by sketch. 



It seemed as if a good position for a measured mile existed here. This would not be 

 suitable for big ships, but quite adequate for whale-catchers. A mile was therefore 

 measured and marked. Captain Sorlle, Manager of the station, kindly put up permanent 

 beacons and leading marks in the indicated positions. Although ships are not built 

 there, yet their best trim for steaming and fuel consumption is often important during 

 hunting, and as economy becomes more urgent, it will increase in importance. The time 

 spent on this rather awkward job I therefore consider to be justified. The method 

 employed was, I believe, accurate to within a very few feet. 



The requirements for a measured mile, which will enable ships to arrive at their true 

 speed, are (i) a sufficient run when approaching from either end to allow them to steady 

 on their course and accelerate to their maximum speed, (ii) sufficiently deep water to 

 avoid interference with their speed through drag of the bottom, (iii) a good view of and 

 sufficient distance between each pair of transit beacons marking the extremities of the 



