122 
Capt . Sabine on irregularities , &c. 
various magnetic phenomena, with the excellent instruments 
supplied to the expedition, at this very interesting place ; 
where a nearer approach was made to one of the magnetic 
poles than had ever been known before. 
But in the absence of any actual observation on the dip of 
the needle, this fact of the error of the compasses having 
increased from local attraction so greatly beyond the amount 
which had been before observed, is worthy of notice, as 
affording an indication that the dip had also increased, and 
not inconsiderably. The greatest which was observed, was 
86° oc/; and after this observation, the ships continued to sail 
for six days in the direction in which the dip had hitherto 
been found to increase. 
In concluding this paper, it may be permitted to remark, 
that it is to the voyages of discovery undertaken during the 
reign of his present Majesty, that a knowledge of the extent 
and causes of the errors to which a compass is subject in ships, 
is to be principally attributed ; as well as the steps that have 
been taken towards the investigation and remedy of the 
inconvenience they occasion to practical navigation. 
The care and exertions of Captain Flinders in collecting 
observations for this purpose, give his opinions and rules a 
peculiar claim to attentive consideration. No one could have 
been more fully persuaded than he was, that a rule, founded 
on the effects experienced in a few ships, would require a far 
more extensive trial, before it could be depended on for 
general application. 
To carry this on, therefore, is to follow his useful example* 
and to effect what he was desirous to have done himself, had 
his life been spared. 
