from the measurement of an arc of the meridian , &c. 313 
adopted by the French mathematicians, being obtained from 
comparing the measurements of Be Lambre and Mechain, 
with those of Bouguer and Condamine. 
As I am in hopes that another section, and perhaps more, 
will be added to the arc, I shall defer making any final 
conclusions till I see what may be done. The next station of 
observation, I propose to be as near the latitude of 21 0 6 f $ ,r 
as possible, in order that the middle point of the section may 
fall in 19 0 34' 44", so as to compare the mean degree as 
obtained by observation, with the one computed from the 
increments as in the foregoing tables. I say another section, 
and perhaps more ; because should the country to the north- 
ward be open and settled, there may be a possibility at some 
future day, of continuing the same arc to the northern 
confines of Hindostan : so much, at least, seems necessary for 
laying the foundation of Indian geography; and if it were con- 
ducted with zeal and j udgment, it would not be a work of 
many years, provided the features of the country be favourable. 
The whole time taken up in the measurement of the arc 
between Punnrn and Daumergidda, including the base lines, 
astronomical observations, &c. ; that is to say, the entire field 
work, has only been three years and nine months ; and a con- 
siderable part of the corrections for the stars, for the angles, 
and for the reduction of the base, were done during the time 
of measuring the base and observing for the zenith distances ; 
so that I suppose four years and a half may be allowed for the 
whole work. From this estimate, the meridional arc might 
be continued from Daumergidda to Dhelli in about five years, 
if no local impediment disturbed its progress. It is however 
probable that difficulties might occur in Sindia's country, 
mdcccxviii. 3 X 
