101 
of a Base Line on the Coast of Coromandel. 
lines of sufficient length might, I perceived, be measured upon 
it ; the angles they might interchangeably make, be taken ; 
and the whole afterwards be reduced to one direct line by 
calculation. 
These considerations, and an accident that, about the same 
time, befel one of my signals, and delayed my trigonometrical 
progress, finally determined me to measure my base at this 
opportunity ; and I accordingly began that work by placing 
two of my large signals, at the distance (as nearly as I could 
judge) of seven miles asunder, for the terms or extremities 
of it. 
In traversing the coast between the signals, I found that, in 
order to continue my operations throughout upon the most ad- 
vantageous part of the beach, I must divide the whole distance 
into six distinct portions, each portion forming a large angle 
with the next portion to it : and this I immediately did, by 
placing five lesser flags, at intervals convenient for that pur- 
pose. 
I now began my measurement, in prosecuting which I 
spared neither pains nor care. The two rods, of 25 feet each,, 
which I had provided for this use, had been strictly examined 
while I was at Cuddalore, and their lengths ascertained, as 
exactly as the conveniences tins country affords would admit 
of. They had been left purposely a little too long, as I found 
it easier to determine, and allow for such excess, than to reduce 
them to sufficient exactness. In settling their respective 
lengths, a capital two-feet brass sector, by Adams, was made 
use of, as a standard: this instrument was not only the best 
authority I could procure ; but, being my own property, would, 
I considered, be ready for an examination, should an opportu- 
