viii Transactions of the South African Philosophical Society. 



Mr. Bosnmn has himself made a number of observations in different 

 parts of South Africa, chiefly in Bechuanaland, and Mr. Fourcade 

 has made observations in the Knysna. 



I have already referred to the work carried out at the Eoyal 

 Observatory between 1840 and 1850. This work was continued by 

 Sir Thomas Maclear and Mr. Stone. It came to an end in 1869. 



Finally, during the last eight or nine years a first magnetic survey 

 of Cape Colony, Natal, the Transvaal, the Orange Eiver Colony, and 

 parts of Ehodesia has been made. The Portuguese authorities of 

 Mozambique have also made a beginning with a similar survey in 

 Portuguese East Africa. 



In conclusion, I hope that you agree with me that there are many 

 physical problems in South Africa awaiting solution, and that you 

 are convinced with me of the necessity for a permanent physical 

 observatory, from which the work may be directed, and in which the 

 observations for the proper correction of survey results may be made. 

 It has too long been a reproach to South Africa that the thorough 

 study of such problems has been neglected. As many of you are 

 doubtless aware, we hope soon to obtain a Charter; should these 

 hopes be realised, the Society will only be following in the foot- 

 steps of its model if it takes up the problems I have spoken of 

 to-night. 



