264 
OxpsERVATIONS made for determining the Geographicai 
postticn of the Magnetic Observatory at Hobart Town, 
Van Diemen’s Land. By Commander Kay, R.N., F.R.S. 
&e. [Read 8th December, 1852.] 
In connection with the Trigonometrical Survey now in 
course of operation in this Island, I have considered that 
a correct knowledge of the geographical position of the 
Observatory might be interesting to this Society, from its 
being the only spot in the Colony where such a series of 
careful observations are likely to be carried on, (at least for 
some time to come), as are necessary to determine a geogra- 
phical position with exactness. 
I have, for a considerable period, been accumulating 
observations for this purpose,—as, partly from a want of 
instruments, but principally from the want of leisure, in 
many members of this Society, whose tastes would otherwise 
incline them to pursue investigations of this nature, it has 
appeared to me to be not unlikely that some years might yet 
elapse before it could be undertaken by some more com- 
petent person. One well-defined spot, like the Observatory, 
connected with the net work of triangulation, which em- 
braces the whole area of the Island, and which, under the 
able field operations of Mr. Sprent, will soon be accomplished, 
will therefore serve as a starting point for determining the 
geographical position of any other spot in the Island with 
equal accuracy, and we shall then no longer have the 
disgrace upon us of having our principal head-lands (on 
the only chart of Tasmania which at present exists), laid 
down miles in error in latitude, to say nothing of their error 
in longitude. 
