USE OF COMPASS 
Records 
A record of compass bearings should show the following data, 
clearly arranged in compact columns: 
Starting point Course Distance Object at end 
of course 
N. E. Cor. Wilder N. 10° 80 12” maple Tree 
x 166° 100 N. W. cor. French 
The starting point where the observations are made may be 
the same for several records. 
The course should show first the primary cardinal point N. or 
S. then the degree, then the secondary cardinal point, E. or W. or 
simply the degree if the reading is made in azimuth. 
The distance in some unit, feet or paces etc., when possible. 
When an object is located by two courses from two known points 
the distance is not necessary. 
Object at end of course — as definite a description as necessary. 
If another person is to plot the notes a statement should be 
recorded as to what form of an instrument was used and how it was 
graduated. 
Practice 
It is essential that the student have considerable practice in 
handling the compass. In this work practice will give a large in- 
crease in accuracy. 
If the student can have the use of several compasses of different 
types it will be desirable to try them all. There are important dif- 
ferences among the compasses in regular use, and each worker usually 
develops a strong preference for some particular type of instrument. 
Each type of compass, however, has its uses and advantages, and 
the good workman will know them all. 
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