Which of the following instruments allows for direct sighting and leveling across greater distances than a hand level?

The dumpy level is a surveying instrument designed for providing accurate straight-line levels across distances, making it advantageous over a hand level. It consists of a telescope mounted on a horizontal axis, which allows for direct sighting on a leveling staff placed at a distance. This design enables surveyors to take elevation readings at much greater ranges, which is crucial for large-scale surveying projects such as construction and land development.

In contrast, other instruments listed may serve different purposes. A clinometer is used primarily for measuring angles of slope or elevation rather than for leveling over long distances. The Abney level, while also useful for slope measurement, does not offer the same precision or range as a dumpy level for leveling. The Jacobs staff is not commonly recognized as a standard leveling instrument; instead, it refers to a type of leveling rod or staff used in conjunction with other devices but does not possess the same functionality as the dumpy level.

Thus, the dumpy level stands out for its capability to achieve precise leveling and sighting over extended distances, making it the instrument of choice in this context.