VOL. XIK.] PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. 183 



bearing must certainly help you out ; there is no other way. But, 2dly, to 

 say that the surveyor might have determined the point a by admeasurement 

 from G and h, or any other adjoining noted points, as from f, k, i, &c. is 

 very true; but then it is against our supposition. We are showing an error, 

 that arises from judging of the line pa by magnetic bearing, and to say that 

 this might be avoided by another way, is to say nothing. I have shown how 

 it may be avoided, by allowing for the variation ; but still it is an error, till it 

 be avoided. But, 3dly, If b's surveyor do not allow for the variation of the 

 needle, he will never exactly determine even the points g, f, h, k, &c. or 

 any other points in the plot ; but instead of them, he will fall on the points 

 g, h, f, k. 



From what has been said, we may see the absolute necessity of allowing for 

 the variation of the magnet, in comparing old surveys with new ones ; for want 

 of which, great disputes may arise between neighbouring proprietors of lands: 

 artd it were to be wished, that our honourable and learned judges would take 

 this matter into their consideration, whenever any business of this kind comes 

 before them. 



Extract of a Letter from Mr. de F'allemont, &c. concerning a small Egg being 

 found tvithin an ordinary one ; from the Journal des Scavans of the Jth of Jan. 

 1696. N" 230, p. 632. 



In the Journal des Sqavans of the 7th of Jan. l6y6, is an account of a small 

 egg, of about 7 lines irom end to end, and 4^ of thickness, which was in- 

 cluded in a hen's egg, which appeared to have nothing extraordinary on its out- 

 side, and which they were breaking to make an omelet of. The small egg-shell 

 was fastened to the shell of the greater, by one of its extremities. 



Part of a Letter from Mr. John Ray, F. R. S. to Dr. Shane, June 30, J 6q7, 

 concerning the Effects of a poisonous Root, and concerning the Virtues of the 

 Leaves of Hemlock. N° 231, p. 634. 



A woman eating by mistake some roots, or common hemlock (it is supposed) 

 among parsnips, was immediately seized with raving and madness, talked ob- 

 scenely, and could not forbear dancing. Thus she continued for some time, 

 till at length she was taken with epileptic fits, of which distemper, being com- 

 mitted to my charge, she was soon cured by the common method, and has now 

 for several years lived in perfect health. However, I am in some doubt, whe- 

 ther it was really the root of hemlock which this woman eat, and which had 

 this effect upon her, and not some other ; because 1 . Jo. Bauhine, relating two 



