165 



8. Mr. Hassler is at a loss for tho meaning of tlic words " arithmetical progres- 



sion/' in p. G2. 



9. The method of obtaining the value of a degree, perpendicular to the me- 



ridian, by the convergency of the meridians, is objected to as being 

 above the compass of the instruments in use by Mr. Borden, and as be- 

 ing too general in its conclusions, from a survey on so small a scale. 



10. " Chronometric determinations," p. 62, are insufficient for the purpose of 



ascertaining the value of a degree perpendicular to the meridian. 



11. Mountain attraction is not observable by the instruments used by Mr. 



Borden. 



12. Mr. Hassler prefers the adoption of Bessel's elements of the spheroid, 



deduced from a discussion of all the trigonometric surveys yet made, 

 instead of those derived from a survey on so small a scale, even with 

 the best instruments. 



13. Mr. Borden's ellipticity, 1-345, is adduced as confirming the 12th ob- 



jection. 



14. The latitude of Boston State House, p. G4, is uncertain, as having no other 



basis than sextant observations. 



15. Are the altitudes, p. 65, single altitudes or series? 



1G. Mr. H. objects to the comparison of the single results in the table of lati- 

 tudes, p. 65, and recommends the reduction of Mr. Paine's observa- 

 tions, (if they are used at all,) according to their situation and proximity 

 to two points, at the greatest interval apart, or two points, situated so 

 near the extremes of the survey as to receive all the observations with 

 the least possible reduction, so as to obtain the most plausible ultimate 

 mean for comparison with the trigonometric operations. 



17. Mr. H. thinks that the discrepancies in p. 6G, are sufficient ground for re- 



jecting " chronometric determinations," and considers their inadequacy 

 as an established point in Geodesy. 



18. The actual topography is imperfect, the Township Surveys never having 



been completed with sufficient minuteness. Mr. H. also objects to the 

 use of the " camera lucida" for purposes of topography. 



19. The expense of the Massachusetts Survey should not have been stated — 



not being a subject of scientific interest. 



Mr. Walker stated, on behalf of the Committee whose report on Messrs. 

 Borden and Paine's labours had been made the subject of criticism by the 

 Superintendent of the Coast Survey, that, previous to the drawing up of the 

 report, a comparison had been made of Borden's spheroidal elements with 

 Bessel's values, contained in the 333d No. of Schumacher's Astronomische 

 Nachrichten; and that the agreement had been considered sufficiently close, 

 to sanction the publication of Mr. Borden's results in their original state, as 

 affording an illustration of the degree of success and precision attainable in a 

 survey on a small scale like that of Massachusetts, — with instruments of small 

 compass — conducted with great economy and despatch, — and finally reduced 

 by spheroidal elements indigenous to the survey. 



Mr. W. was by no means the advocate of cheapening science, or of the use of 

 inferior instruments in the public service, nor would he have advised the choice 

 of such instruments as were used in determining the latitudes and azimuths in 



