chaining would have taken a considerable time, and would have required experts,
since it may safely be assumed that no ordinary man can break a chain properly.
Mr. Franklin. — Comparing stadia and chain measurements, the percentage
of error, I believe, would be about the same ; if anything, slightly in favor
of stadia. In a survey of this kind I consider it totally unreliable, whether local
attraction exists or not. I invariably use one well-defined, undisputed line as a
base, and turn off my angles from that, using a vernier. When an old corner
is indicated by one or more monuments or points, it is generally impossible for the
engineer to make a definite and reliable location by running the lines according to
the deeds or old plans. The best method, in my judgment, is to establish such a
corner by an amicable agreement with the parties affected, the engineer furnish-
ing the data required.
