TERRESTRIAL MAGNETISM, ETC. 263 



"gradually changed to S. 53 W., then the bear- 

 ing gradually altered to S. 63 W., S. 75 W., 

 " and S. 89 W. This lasted for about a quarter 

 " of an hour, ship's speed two knots. The bearing 

 "then gradually returned to S. 58 W. All the 

 " officers of the ship were on deck taking bearings 

 " and angles. We were so struck by this that orders 

 " were sent out for a more extended examination, 

 " but the survey was broken up before the observa- 

 " tions could be carried out. I have conversed 

 " with the officers since, and they have no doubt 

 " of the accuracy of their observation." 



" Although the observations were taken by care- 

 " ful observers, on board a wooden vessel, the 

 " results were so remarkable that further inquiry 

 " and examination on the spot would have been 

 " made had the vessel returned to the spot. It is 

 " desirable that further observations should be 

 " made, especially in a place where vessels approach- 

 " ing the port all complain of the serious disturb- 

 " ance to their compasses. They accuse Bezout 

 " Island. I believe it to be a magnetic ridge under 

 " the sear 



