220 SUPPLY OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS. 



barometers by a standard, in lieu of sending them to the 

 Meteorological Department. 



In 1888 the Mathematical Instrument Department was located in 

 its present handsome building,* which had been commenced the 

 year previously. The transfer from the old house (one of the 

 oldest in Calcutta) was not too soon, for some of the beams showed 

 unmistakeable signs of collapse, and the steam engine had to be 

 stopped for fear of disaster. It was found that the large majority 

 of the beams had been gutted by white ants, and it was fortunate 

 that the house did not fall to ruins before it was vacated. The new 

 building has fairly ample accommodation for workmen, stores, &c, 

 there is an observatory on the roof in which a transit instrument 

 has been set up for rating chronometers, and a new steam engine 

 and shafting have been erected. 



During the last 12 years there has been a great increase in the 

 work of the Department, necessitated by fresh annexations of 

 territory in Burma and Baluchistan, the development of railways, 

 roads and public works, and a general increase in the scientific 

 requirements of the administration. The number of instruments 

 issued in the year 1887-88 was 57,293, valued at Rs. 2,25,599, while 

 out of the total stock 7,387, valued at Rs. 1,16,246, were procured 

 from England, 31,846, valued at Rs. 35,252, were purchased in the 

 local market, and 17.900, valued at Rs. 33,320, were manufactured 

 in the Mathematical Instrument workshop. The last number shows 

 a large increase, nearly 100 per cent, over the figures of the previous 

 year, and the value has risen by nearly Rs. 10,000. 



* There is a <."i|>ital photograph of t J i < • new building at page 92 of the Surveyor- 

 General's Keport for 1887-88. 



