This page has been validated.
36
MAGNETIC OBSERVATORY.
[Chap. II.
1840
opportunity of experimenting, and in which it proved to be of very small amount.
We here found no difficulty in replenishing our stores and provisions, for by an especial order to that effect from the Commander-in-Chief, Rear-Admiral the Honourable George Elliot, C.B., and the active exertions in our favour of J. Deas Thompson, Esquire, the naval storekeeper, every want was promptly and liberally supplied, and every thing done for us that a cordial interest in our undertaking could suggest.
To His Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir George Napier I am also much indebted for offering me any portion of the crown lands that might be required for the site of the Magnetic Observatory, which I was directed to establish here, and leave under the superintendence of Lieutenant Eardley Wilmot, of the Royal Artillery, who, with his party of three assistants, and all the necessary instruments, were now disembarked from the Erebus. In making a selection of so much importance I gladly availed myself of the judgment and local knowledge of Mr. McLear, at present and for several years past the resident astronomer, and by his advice decided on a spot adjoining the Cape Observatory; thereby securing to Mr. Wilmot the co-operation of practised observers when long continued series of observations should render their aid desirable, and at all times relieving him from a considerable amount of labour, by rendering the