of the magnetic Needle. iqj 
which compose Pier Head being centered in a similar point to 
what I have supposed to take place with all the ferruginous 
bodies lodged within a ship, I shall not attempt to decide. The 
greater differences in the horizontal direction of the needle 
observed by Captain Cook, might have arisen from his using 
a common azimuth compass, which was probably not further 
elevated from the ground than to be placed on a stone. 
MATTHEW FLINDERS. 
Isle of France, 
March 5 th, 1804. 
