Ixxxii President's Address 



25 localities have been examined, with a view to determine 

 the magnetic elements, Throughout the whole of the colony 

 230 places were in this way determined at all elevations, 

 from the level of the sea to 7,200 feet; the aggregate number 

 of miles passed through amount to nearly 11,000, over which 

 the magnetic stations are distributed in such a manner, that 

 the greatest distance between them is 30 miles, frequently 

 only 18 or 20. As by far the greater number of places had 

 not previously been, accurately determined with regard to 

 geographical position, the latitude had to be observed for the 

 purpose of obtaining an accurate azimuth, necessary for the 

 determination of the magnetic declination of the needle. 



The computations based upon these observations have 

 been completed, and their publication will be undertaken 

 without delay at the public [expense of the colony. The 

 maps, also, to accompany the work are already compiled. 

 In conjunction with the Magnetic Survey a hypsometrical 

 survey was carried out, and the elevation above the sea of 

 upwards of two thousand places was ascertained by means 

 of mercurial barometers ; the results of this work will be 

 published as an appendix to the Magnetic Survey. 



The results of the labours of the Magnetic Observatory in 

 connection with the Magnetic Survey are so extensive that 

 it was thought advisable to publish them in London on 

 behalf of the colony, and at the colonial expense. The 

 survey and the original observations of the Magnetic Obser- 

 vatory, will appear in two or three large volumes. 



The Geodetic Survey being another great national scientific 

 work, under the direction of Mr. Ellery, the Secretary of our 

 Society, may be considered immediately after the Observa- 

 tories, and is a subject likely to interest scientific departments 

 in other countries. 



This Survey, which was commenced here under the 

 advice of our Vice-President, Mr. Ligar, in the end of 1858, 



