CHAPTER XI. 



Objects of Observing Stations. 



meteorological work to be done — movements of ice, tides, 

 etc., to be recorded — terrestrial magnetism — the varia- 

 tion of the compass — dip of the magnetic needle, etc. 



Science kindly giving aid and light 

 Has made the storms of darkest night 



To warn us of their coming ; 

 Science speaking on the compass dial, 

 Bids magnet-forces talk and smile, 

 And tell their secret meaning. 



j^mjfczT Stupart's Bay, as also at Ashe's Inlet opposite, on the north 

 \Mflf side of the Strait, we were always in sight of field ice, 

 jffwK which lay in extensive sheets outside of the little harbour, 

 and which came in with the tide whenever there was not 

 a contrary wind, but this, let me observe, did not reach into the 

 centre of the Strait where navigation was wholly unobstructed. 



The buildings at Stupart's Station were sufficiently completed 

 by three o'clock on Friday, the 22nd of August, to be left by the 

 Neptune in charge of the four men who were to reside there. 

 They consisted, at that place, of a dwelling, a storehouse, the 

 magnetic observatory for differential observations and a building 

 for absolute observations. An extra man was left at that station on 

 account of the extra work to be done. It is the only place on the 

 Strait where magnetic observations are to be taken ; hence the two 

 extra buildings which are necessary for that work. 

 The duties of the various observing stations are : — 

 1. Reading the barometer every four hours, commencing at 

 three o'clock, a.m. 



