M A - University of Limerick Institutional Repository

^ ^ M A G A 2 l N 2 of M AG A 2 l N E
points which the highest tides reach
at the points where they cease to be at
all navigable, and at their Sources; and
at all intermediate places, which are
any way to be^ioted. The longitudes
and latitudes of the same points might
be well determined, and more particularly
at all remarkable falls, and branchings
from the main stream, and where
they form considerable islands-In pursuing
the courses, windings and branchings
oS rivers, the Surveyors will neces-
Sarily Sail in with the hills, mountains,
or lakes, whence they arise. These
give to provinces and countries
their peculiar faces, climates, Seasons,
and productions, both vegetable and
mineral ; and alio serve as natural barriers
between neighbouring states. To
finish the whole therefore compleatly,
their elevations must be obferved by
noting the various stations os the barometer
upon their accessible Summits.
The general bearing as to N and S, F.
and W. of these chains must be traced,
their contours and various advances
and recesses Srom the Sea, their openings
and passes ; and the most considerable
of these point i Should have their
longitudes and latitudes Settled; and the
variation of the compass Should be often
observed and noted at remarkable
places.
The ^ observations os the stations
os the barometer are very important,
Sor by theSe we may know the velocity
with which rivers slow in all parts oS a
country, how Suddenly, or bow slowly
the Sace oS it declines from its highest
parts to the Sea, and how Sar rivets are
capable by art oS having their navigations.
extended, and the kind and degree
oS the obstacles to it. TheSe and
many other important particulars may
be Seen by the bare inspection of saicfi
draughts; so that being once made, the
4 To make these observations accurately
two persesnt, ore at the lea Side. and ooe aa tho
place to be marked. must observe the Same
time. with instruments well adjusted to each
other, except near chelate. where the vaatacraes
of tho soar t^tae tec are iarcoinider.dle.
V
improvements oS which a province is
capable in many points may as any time
be deduced Srom them.——l believe
that no fiich Surveys from beyond the
sea coasts have been made of any oS
his maiesty's provinces in America-
Here they are most wanted, and would
by their singular usefulness in a Sew
years repay theexpence of drawing.
The governor, S'or instance, of Carolina
with Such a Survey of his province
under his eye, could immediately mate
the spot where a body of strangers
might be settled most to their own
comfort, and for the security of the
state ; and by the number os strange
dayly flowing into those countries, the
several governments might in a Sew
years, with a litart and encouragement,
cause towns to rife on the Several spots,
which fuch forveys would demonstrate
to be most important, with refpect teo
the general improvement and strength;
and those colonies, which, by the
wrong measures obServed in their fit:.
Settlement, have made lew or none cot
the improvements dependent on cohabitation,
might by a little attention for
a sew years add to the very great natural
advantages of their provinces a variety
of improved ones, little, is' at all,
inferior its value and importance to the
former; and remedy, if not make art
advantage oS, thear predecessors miltakes——IS,
among the persons employed
in this work, Some oS skill it
natural history and philosophy, weir
added to observe and collect naturae
curiosities, arid to bore the ground in
different places, unexpected discoveries
might be made iii the progrcSs oS the
greater work, oS mines, quarries, minerals.
medicinal waters, oS stones and
earths, oS Singular properties and secies,
and various productions that mi^
add to the rtches os a province, lhcuie
and ornament of human lise, and to the
improvement of natural history. s i '
French academicians, supported by 2
ministry favourable to the Sciences,
have ranged from the pole to the line
to improve philosophy. In imitate