A negative declination shows that the magnetic meridian is to the A. eastern side of the true meridian B. western side of the true meridian C. southern side of the true meridian D. none of the above

The correct answer is A.

The magnetic meridian is the line along which a compass needle points. The true meridian is the line that passes through the north and south poles of the Earth. The declination is the angle between the magnetic meridian and the true meridian. A negative declination means that the magnetic meridian is to the east of the true meridian.

Option B is incorrect because the magnetic meridian is to the east of the true meridian, not the west. Option C is incorrect because the magnetic meridian is not to the south of the true meridian. Option D is incorrect because the magnetic meridian is to the east of the true meridian, not none of the above.