PROCEEDINGS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. 



33 



The neAV Observatoi-y, which was commenced in June, and finished during 

 the early days of September, consists of two parts — a circuhir stone ceHar and an 

 above ground structure. The cellar is nineteen feet in diameter, the walls two 

 feet in thickness, the floor concrete, and the roof covered with felt and gravel, in 

 Avhich, on stone piers sunk in concrete to a depth of six feet below the iloor, are 

 placed the self-recording photographic instruments : namely, the declinometer for 

 recording changes in the direction of the magnetic needle, and the bifilar and 

 vertical force instruments for registering, respectively, changes in the horizon- 

 tal and vertical components of the earth's magnetism. Above ground and connect- 

 ed with the Observatoiy by a flight of steps, is an erection which is divided into 

 two portions, in the larger of which absolute magnetic determination will be made, 

 piers being provided on Avhich to place the necessary instruments, and an adjustable 

 opening on the roof for transit work ; the smaller portion is an oflice, which will be 

 heated by a copper stove. 



Observations were first made in the new Observatory on Sei>tember 10th, and 

 by Oct. 1st all the instruments had been adjusted in their new position, and every- 

 thing was running smoothly. Results alreadj^ obtained show that values will differ 

 but slightly from those obtained at the old Observatory, and a very careful com- 

 parison was made before dismounting the old eye-reading instruments in Toronto. 



Very great care was taken in selecting materials for the building. Every 

 stone used was tested for magnetic effect, and none but copper and zinc nails and 

 fastenings have been used. 



There appears to be every prospect that the new Observatory will be admirably 

 suited for the purpose for which it was designed, and there is strong reason to 

 thiuk that the series of observations at Agincourt will be practically a continuation 

 of the old and valuable series of observations made in Toronto. All photographic 

 records will be sent for development to the Toronto Observatory, which continues 

 to be the central office of the Meteorological Service of Canada. 



