30 
SUPPLEMENT. 
readings of each end of the needle in each of its eight positions, 
because, in looking over the Table, it will be seen that scarcely 
any two results show any very near accordance, and, in some 
instances, their differences amount to several degrees. Whether 
this arises from any imperfection in the instrument, from the 
method of magnetizing it, or from a variation in the direction 
of the poles of the needle, I am unable to determine. As the 
several readings presented themselves, so they were registered ; 
and the resultant dips, although in some instances they show a 
very considerable difference, yet, upon the whole, their accord¬ 
ance affords a remarkable instance of the tendency of errors (if 
such they be) to correct each other. Be that as it may, it is 
proper that these discordances should be known, in order that 
their cause may be investigated, and that the observations 
should not obtain a greater degree of dependence than, on exa¬ 
mination, they may be found to deserve. Each of the recorded 
observations is the mean of six to ten readings of each end of the 
needle in its several positions, and the method employed in the 
reversion of its poles is that of Du Hamel. 
Only three opportunities occurred of observing the dip as we 
proceeded to the southward of Fury Point to our first winter 
quarters. But these, together with the variation, &c., were im¬ 
portant assistants in calling our attention to the rapid approach 
we were making towards the magnetic pole. A series of obser¬ 
vations during the winter led us to expect that that point would 
be found directly to the westward of us ; but we were unconscious 
at that time of the existence of an ocean in that direction, and 
the calculated distance far exceeded anything we could hope to 
travel over a country whose rugged shores seemed to forbid the 
attempt, and to annihilate every hope of its accomplishment. 
The discovery of the Western Ocean, however, across a narrow 
neck of land to the south-west, which occurred early the follow¬ 
ing spring, gave rise to a small party being sent from the ship, 
to endeavour to trace the shores of the American continent as far 
to the south-west or west as possible. On that occasion, owing 
to the smallness of the party, it was found impracticable to carry 
more instruments than were actually indispensable for determin- 
