HYDROGRAPHICAL SURVEYING 



PRELIMINARY 



There is nothing mysteriously difficult in the art of Hydro- 

 graphical or Marine Surveying. For the ordinary details, no 

 deep theoretical or mathematical knowledge is needed ; on 

 the contrary, it is an eminently practical branch of the Naval 

 Profession. 



An aspirant to its acquirement should have a quick eye, 

 should possess the ordinary good common sense that is 

 necessary to secure success in all walks of life, but above all 

 he must have a boundless capacity for taking pains in details 

 at all times and seasons. 



The advice, " Surtout, point de zele," does not apply to sur- 

 veying. Without zeal, and the utmost keenness for the progress 

 of the work, the attention and interest will soon fail ; and 

 the necessity for constant application throughout long days, 

 often extended into the night, will soon seem monotonous, 

 and become a bore to one whose heart is not thoroughly in it. 



Happily, it is a profession of volunteers, and the author's 

 experience is, that in no branch of the public service can the 

 juniors be more anxious to do their duty, not only to tho 

 letter, but to the utmost of the spirit, and to such as these no 

 day seems long enough. To them, the interest is constantlj^ 

 kept up. Every day has its incidents. The accuracy of the 

 work of each assistant, when proved, is an infinite gratification 

 to him, and he has also the continual satisfaction of feeling that 

 of all he does a permanent record will remain, in the chart 

 which is to guide hundreds of his fellow-seamen on their way. 



For any naval officer, then, who is really anxious to learn, 

 the practical part of surveying will soon be mastered. It 



1 



