and Directive Force of the Magnetic Needle. 203 
the southern hemisphere cross the meridian under the same angle, 
but in such a direction as to afford a meridional component in the 
opposite direction, and being of less intensity, only tend to dimin- 
ish the effect produced by the currents of the northern hemis- 
phere, without altering itscharacter. The ecliptic currents of the 
northern hemisphere, now to be considered, proceed from the va- 
rious points of the solstitial colure lying between the equator and 
ole. Before the hour of 6 a.m. the point of meeting of 
these currents will lie on the equator and to the east of the me- 
ridian of the station. The currents after intersecting at this point 
pass on and cross the meridian south of the equator. As the 
point of concentration moves westward the obliquity of the cur- 
rents to the meridian, at their respective points of passage, will 
lucrease, and hence the needle will be deflected still more toward 
the east. After 6 a.m. the obliquity will diminish, and a ten- 
dency to a westward movement will obtain. is will be more 
or less diminished by the continued augmentation of the strength 
of the individual currents, as the circle of excitement is brought 
tendency. This tendency to a westward movement will con- 
unue until noon, and during the afternoon until’6 p.m. The ac- 
. 
tendency to a diminution in the early morning hours, 
