GOING OF THE CHRONOMETERS. 
IX 
respect, as well as in the steadiness of its daily rate, this watch proved 
a very great acquisition. 
The stoppage of the chronometers during observations was prevented after 
the experience on the above-mentioned occasions, by placing them on tin 
cases, filled with moderately-heated sand, which was renewed as occasion 
required. 
No. 404 stopping from some unknown cause, on the 22d of March, it was 
laid aside during the remainder of the voyage. 
Early in May, the chronometers of the Griper were sent on board the 
Hecla, for the purpose of having their rates examined previously to the 
sailing of the expedition from Winter Harbour. 
Table V. contains an account of the going of seven chronometers of the 
Hecla, and three of the Griper on mean time, from the eighth of May to the 
end of July, being the twelve weeks preceding the commencement of the 
navigation in 1820. 
No. 369 is omitted in this Table ; when taken down to be wound on the 
1 3th of June, it was found to have stopped at four turns of the chain, six 
and a half being equal to twenty-four hours ; there appearing no particular 
cause for the stoppage, it was again set going, but stopped after having gone 
about two hours ; the same took place on a third trial, when it was laid aside. 
It was probably injured by the winter’s cold, as it never took up a steady 
rate after its stoppage in February. The attempt to keep it going was 
renewed in September, but proved as unsuccessful as in June, after which 
it was reserved for the examination of the maker. 
On due examination of the going of the chronometers, at Melville Island, 
exhibited in Table V., it was apparent, that of those which belonged to the 
Hecla, the four of Messrs. Parkinson and Frodsham, were principally to 
be relied on in the determination of longitudes in the ensuing season. 
The opportunities of lunar observation during the navigation of 1820 were 
few, and under circumstances by no means favourable ; in consequence, 
an occasion did not present itself of comparison with Greenwich time, 
between the departure of the ships from Winter Harbour, and the arrival 
of the Hecla at Leith, on the 12th of November ; on which day, the difference 
of each chronometer on Greenwich time, was ascertained by direct com- 
parison with the Observatory clock at Calton Hill. 
