1863.] 661 



the other. The triangles connected by continuous lines of the sights 

 are nine in number. Their angles are computed by Mr. Chydenius 

 in an accompanying Table. All the angular points are selected on 

 moderately high and accessible mountains, situated close to, or not 

 very far from the coasts, and the distances between them are not 

 greater than will admit of the signals being easily seen. Mr. Chy- 

 denius found the ground, as well in Low Island as to the west of 

 Treurenburg, to be favourable for measuring a base. 



As the survey, so far as carried out, proves that, for executing the 

 measurement of an arc of the meridian, no impediments exist which 

 may not be overcome by courage and perseverance, there remains the 

 question whether the part not yet explored may be expected to be 

 equally favourable ; the reply to this cannot, of course, be fully 

 given until a similar survey has been made of the still unknown 

 portion ; there are, however, means of partially judging of the pro- 

 spects of success. Mr. Chydenius considers himself almost justified 

 in stating with certainty that the mountains marked X and ^ on 

 the map will be found to be visible from Weide Jans Water. 

 He is inclined to think that the easiest communication may be 

 made through Lomme Bay. The distance from Hinloopen Strait 

 to Weide Jans Water cannot be great. According to statements 

 which, however, we were unable to verify, there is said to be a strait 

 connecting these two sheets of water, and a vessel is reported to 

 have sailed through it. Mr. Lamont is also of opinion that Weide 

 Jans Water is open to the north. This, if found to be true, would 

 tend greatly to facilitate the work. 



It is also probable that the network can be drawn from the Waigat 

 Islands at the southern embouchure of Hinloopen Strait to the 

 Walter Thymen Bay, through the latter to Weide Jans Water, and 

 further to Hope Island. 



There still remains the question as to the facilities that the land 

 on the two sides of Weide Jans Water may afford for the survey. 

 Those walrus-hunters whom I have interrogated regarding that part 

 of the country, are unanimous in their opinion as to the mountains 

 on the western side being similar to those on the west coast, that is 

 to say, as inaccessible as possible. But the country to the east of 

 the said Water is described as a tableland, in which accessible 

 mountains may be found in several places. There are therefore 



VOL. XII. 3 A 



