Annual reports ...
United States. War Dept
5^ O H ^ -«! ^ g 1 (3 ll wa;3 It il i r i 'onnaijaf]^ !" « SI p; : s -nmin;xiti^ • -^ ^ ^ ^ : ^ 'Moas pai( nil ju g aftti JO )uuomv O ; ; o s s 0 0 1 § •p»paa ci : : a a 'p.ooaxaioo t » a d 2 ;3 (— aioji Sai.voia) •nofjioojicx^ '^iiaomy •pais §|SS§i§ •S 3 3 '5'= 9 "3 asssssa 0 s s 0 a s a 1 1 •^unocny •pniH llillfl « 1 1 llliln;! •I ^ •Xljooi •a.v \\\nc[ ;i M ; ; M M M5 M M i^ M U ip M ; ; -y 'bti jad ojnfiflojd '3 ^ ^ .- d ^ ^ k^ <«i od x{ •«: n e4 r5 CO' 1^ «d o ^ .-: ^ 'jiioq jad •aon»<«ia SSJctSSS???;? 2S:2555^S?;;;sasSS«?588J::i:S ^ & »3 \^^^^^^,^^^ .|S83 ;ss SSSSS ssgg SSSSSSS^SS 1 s B •?fS8g??g?^s?5asss8 •qtnqjtial ?i?j?3;s3?:;«?53ss^a????sassM8Sc3S«^«asio •auUBq p^rwiiof) Si i H •p^wKixa •pdqo«1TV *j9)aiiioi«g -non •«Aj9«qo JO omjx asaeaasaaasadsae^aaassesassasa gjogiogjogogogjogjo^ogjo^ogjogjogjogjogjo 11 1 si f 1 1^ I Digitized by Google CHIEF SIGNAL-OFFICER. 529 E © •uimuian\[ mnmiXBj^ •p^pua •p.uaoiinoo (— mo.ij dntAoai) 'nopj9Ji(j •:>anoiny T«TH •innoray ••■«7'»'^aji^^^^^^^'»>'«'^'«'0i-»' •para , 0 OS OD « « ^ PH CG OQ CC pEi E^ ^ CG (A Ps( P=4 !/3 CC X CC QO ^ 9A A^1B(T :?! •;j -bs jod ^' *r4 -jnoq Jdd A:ti3ot9A ! v^^o-^tccfo-^ODt-ocir-^aD — 00 'aofp9J!(X •An •pirauq i)An«i8H OiOSX xj<jbSco5boS%$^XQOr«SS S I nmn ?»j\i 5^;5^sgs;5agg^3gggig?ggg^;!5a •qiiiq Xjq ciMrtH«^«r5rt«c?c?^f§rt5^n •jfno -mdivq paiaaojoQ 'p36odxg[ oicocowc'JcoocowcoweocQwwi'Wpb •peqoBWv o;0t«or-?3SSoSt^o3St^t-t> 'jo^etaorog ^ ^ ^ I I ?3 I 34 w Digitized by Google 530 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. Paper 15. REPORT OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS MADE AT MOUNT WASHINGTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE, DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE; 1873. War Department, Office Chief Signal-Officer, Division of Telegrams and Reports for Benefit of Commerce and Agriculture, Washington, D.C., August 15, 1873. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following detailed reports of the special meteorological observations made in compliance with your instructions, at Mount Washington, New Hampshire, from May 1 to June 30, 1873. Two stations were occupied during May, and four during the month of June, and, in addition to their records, the regular observations made for the same period at Portland, Me., are given for purposes of comparison. Instruments used at the several stations. No. 1.— Summit. Barometer No. 1797, (Green's) instrumental error, —.005. One extra barometer; not used. Two standard thermometers, (Signal-Service pattern, Green's.) One maximum and three minimum thermometers. (Green's.) One standard hygrometer, (Signal-Service model, Green's.) Two Robinson anemometers, (Signal-Service model,) with electrical attachments, self-registration. Two wind-vanes, (Signal-Service model.) One rain-gauge, (Signal-Service model.) One barometer; not used. Two standard thermometers, (Signal-Service model, Green's.) Two Byron anemometers, (Signal-Service model, Green's.) One wind-vane, (Signal-Service model.) One wind-vane, (Signal-Service  barometer, (Green's,) No. 139; instrumental error, —.010, One extra barometer; not used. Two standard thermometers, (Signal-Service model, Green's.) Two standard hygrometers, (Signal-Service model, Green's.) One Robinson anemometer, with electrical attachment and standard Signal-Service register complete. One wind-vane, (Signal-Service model.) One rain-gauge, (Signal-Service model.) The barometers were carefully compared with each other after arrival at the mountain, as shown in Sergeant Thomet's report, Paper "D," and also, after their return to this office, with the standard instrument. As the result of the latter comparison, the errors of the barometers used at stations Nos. 2 and 3 were found to be as follows: barometer No. 184, —.028; barometer No. 186, —.011. Barometer No. 186 was turned over to the observer in charge of the same station in exchange for a defective barometer of his, and therefore its final error has not been determined. Papers A, B, and C. Show the instructions given to the several observers; Paper D, the special report of Sergeant Thornett, and Papers E and F his monthly journals for May and June. Paper G is the journal of Sergeant Seyboth at the base station; Papers H and I, the record of minute observations for May and June; Papers K and L, the record of the hourly observations for the same period, and Paper M the Portland observations, of which those made at 8.02 a.m., 5.02 p.m., and 11.27 p.m., were synchronous with those made at Mount Washington at 7.57 a.m., 4.57 p.m., and 11.22 p.m. Very respectfully, &c., H. W. HOWGATE, Second Lieut and Bvt, Capt U. S. A., Acting Signal Officer and Assistant, Bvt. Brig. Gen. Albert J. Mter, Chief Signal-Officer; V. S. A., Washington, D. C. War Department, Office Chief Signal-Officer, Division of Telegrams and Reports for Benefit of Commerce and Agriculture, Washington, April 19, 1873. Sergeant: Two series of special observations will be made during the month of May in your station, in connection with a station at the base under charge of Sergeant Seyboth. These observations will be made at the times and in the manner set forth in the enclosed copy of Sergeant Seyboth's instructions, which will apply to your station as well, so far as the making and recording of the observations are concerned. The experience gained by you last year in connection with a similar enterprise will enable you to avoid many difficulties encountered at that time, and to render valuable assistance to the party at base. Your attention is called especially to the instructions in reference to the minute observations to be made for one hour each day, and the times indicated, four regular reports will be kept up as usual. Very respectfully, H. W. HOWGATE, Second Lieut, and Bvt, Capt, U. S. A., Acting Signal-Officer and Assistant, Sergt. A. R. Thornett, Mount Washington, N. R. War Department, Office Chief Signal-Officer, Division of Telegrams and Reports for Benefit of Commerce and Agriculture, Washington, D. C., April 19, 1873. Sergeant: A series of observations at the base of Mount Washington, in connection with the station on the summit of the mountain, will be made under your supervision during the month of May next, beginning at 6 a. m. of the 1st, and terminating at 1:57 p. m. of the 3rd of the month. Full observations of all instruments will be made daily at the following hours, (local irae :) 1 a. m., 2 a. ra., 3 a. m., 4. a. m., 5 a. m., 6 a. m., 7 a. m., 7.57 a. m., 9 a. m., 10 a. m., 1 a. ro., 12 m., 1 p. m., 2 p. m., 3 p. m., 4 p. m., 4.57 p. m., 6 p. m., 7 p. m., 8 p. m., 9 p. m.y 0 p. m., 11.22 p. m., and 12 midnight, making twenty-tour observations each day. 'hese observations will be the same in all respects as those taken at re^lar stations, nd will be entered in the usual manner upon Forms 4, which forms will be brought y you in person to this office, when ordered in, unless otherwise instructed. In audi* on to these full observations, a special series will be made of the barometer alone, t intervals of one minute for one hour daily. Digitized by Google 532 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. From the 1st to the 10th days of the month, inclusive, these Special observations will begin at 8 a.m., and continue until 9 a.m.; from the 11th to the 20th days of the month, inclusive, they will be in at 2 p.m., and continue until 3 p.m.; and from the 21st to the 31st of the month, inclusive, will begin at 9 p.m. This series of observations will be kept distinct from that made hourly, and will be recorded on separate sheets of Forms 4. If it is found that there is not sufficient time to fill up the Forms 4 on station, besides attending to the other necessary work, the part of the duty can be left until the return of your party to this city, but the "Original Record" must be carefully kept, and the observations entered when made, directed in the instructions heretofore issued from this office. Special pains must be taken to make these readings accurate to thousands. The temperature of the attached thermometer will be noted as an integral part of each observation. Upon your arrival at the base of the mountain, you will see once established telegraphic communication with the observer at the summit, using the cable over which the regular reports from that station are sent, and will, if practicable, keep this communication unbroken during the whole period you remain on duty at the lower station. You will personally compare the two barometers furnished you by this office with the standard barometer at the summit-station, noting carefully the differences in the readings, and reporting the same on the sheet of forms 4, used for the first day's record of observations. This comparison of barometers must be made before the time of making the first observation. As the observations at both stations must be syncbronou, the time-pieces used will be carefully compared and adjusted before the observation are commenced, and after that time will be adjusted three times daily, by telegraph at intervals of eight hours each, as arranged by you with observer in charge of the main station. Two minutes before the time for taking each hourly observation, you will call up the observer at the summit-station, and after getting his acknowledgment, you will prepare for taking the observation. The signal for reading the barometer will be sent from your station one minute before the time for each reading, and the instruments will be read in the following order: 1 Attached thermometer. 2. Barometer. 3. Exposed thermometer. 4. Hygrometer. 5. Anemometer. 6. Wind-vane. 7. Rain-gauge. The two assistants detailed for duty with you have been selected for this work on account of their previous good conduct and the ability they have shown in the management of regular stations. It is believed that either of these can safely be trusted to make the observations alone during a part of each twenty-four hours, and the lessening your own labors materially. You will therefore divide the day into three tours of eight hours each, taking one tour yourself, and assigning one to each of your assistants. The responsibility of keeping the records, of insuring the accuracy of the observation, and of making such reports of them to this office as may be called for, will devolve upon you, and the work must be done with this fact kept constantly in view. The following instruments and supplies will be furnished to you at this office, and must be taken to the station under your immediate charge: 2 barometers. 2 thermometers. 2 hygrometers. 1 anemometer, (self-registering.) 1 wind-vane, (small.) 1 rain-g Auge. 1 box-sounder. 15 caps Daniell's battery, 200 feet insulated wire. 30 pounds sulphate of copper. Full supply of blank books, Forms 4, stationery, etc. The wind-vane and anemometer can be exposed on the roof of the "Mafchfield" House, and the rain-gauge in an open space near Marshfield, where it will be readily accessible at all hours. The other meteorological instruments will be exposed in the telegraph-office, where the telegraph instrument can be put in the same circuit for exchange of signals or other communications by means of the small switch in the office. Board for yourself and assistants can be had from Mr. Michael Mulberry, in charge of railroad-station. Mr. Aiken, of the Mount Washington Railroad, has kindly given this office permission to use such facilities at the station as may be necessary to carry out your instructions in this matter. You will be careful to leave the buildings and other property of the railroad company occupied or used by yourself and party in as good condition as you found them. On the completion of the duties set forth in this column, you will find the following: Digitized by Google CHIEF SIGNAL-OFFICER. Inquiry, you will remain at your station until orders and transportation are received from this office, but need not continue the observations after the 1st of May, unless otherwise instructed before that date. Should one or more of your party become sick, or in any way become unfit for duty, the fact, with nature and probable duration of illness or injury, will be promptly reported by telegraph to this office, on order that suitable action may be taken about supplying additional assistance, if necessary. The value of these special observations depends wholly upon their being made synchronously at the upper and lower stations, and especially attention must be paid to the accurate comparison of time, as before ordered. Very respectfully, H. W. HOWGATE, Second Lieut and Capt U. S. A., Acting Signal-Officer and Assistant Sergeant. Sergeant: The special series of observations ordered for the month of May at your station, and that at the base, as per enclosed copy of instructions, dated April 19, 1873, will be continued during the month of June at the same hours and times as set forth herein at both stations, and also at the two new ones to be established June 1, as per order of this date. All these stations will be under your general supervision, and you will be held responsible for their successful management and working. The two new ones will be connected by telegraph with the present stations, putting the instruments in order for them on the line, there being battery enough now there, it is believed. To work all satisfactorily. As it is desirable to have the stations as nearly equidistant from each other as practicable, it is suggested that No. 2 be put at the "Gulf tank," and No. 3 at the "Vanmack," if it can be done so as to work properly. If this cannot be done, you will do the next best that is practicable, and report your action, with locations selected, to his office. You will see that full and complete records are kept of all observations at the several stations, and that they are brought to this office as per original instructions. The minute observations will be made at the same hours, and on the same days of the month, as ordered for May. Very respectfully, H. W. HOWGATE, Second Lieut, and Bvt, Capt, U, S. A., Acting Signal-Officer and Assistant, Sergt A. R. Thornett, Mount Washington, N. H. Summit on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, June 5, 1873. Sir: Acting under instructions from the Chief Signal-Officer, I made application, in the latter part of last month, to Mr. Walter Aiken, of the Mount Washington Railroad Company, for permission to occupy two points on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, in signal stations, during the month of June, 1873, for the purpose of making a series of special meteorological observations. Mr. Aiken responded by placing the "Waumback House" at the disposal of the signal-service for the time and purpose above mentioned; as also a railroad-car altered as to form a tolerable protection in ordinary weather, which was brought from the base and placed on the upper side of the bridge. Ledge of "Jacobus Ladder," in juxtaposition to the two-mile post. The assistant observers sent to fill the new stations arrived in Littleton, N.H., on the 28th of May, and I telegraphed, to Private Allen L. Bowie, directing him not to leave that town without first assuring himself that the stores and miscellaneous property, purchased for the comfort of the men, had been forwarded to the base, and the articles were not ready for transportation. Private Bowie considered it best to reach the base of the mountain without delay, and trust to the promises of the trade men to have the freight forwarded in good season. But, after waiting until the evening of the 31st of May, I was obliged to take a team from the base, and, by traveling overnight, succeeded in furnishing the stations on the 1st of June. On May 30, the stations were opened, and instruments mounted. Telegraph communication was established, on the same day, by running the cable into the office and attaching it to the box-sounders brought from Washington. Supplies were issued and I filled up the time in passing between the stations to satisfy myself that nothings important had been forgotten. The barometers were compared with those at the base and summit stations on May 31. The following are the uncorrected readings of the several instruments: Station No. 1. Station No. 2. Station No. 3. Time. Attd ther. Bar. Attd ther. Bar. Attd ther. Bar. Ated ther. Bar. 9. 10a. m 63 62 61.5 62 62 62 24.002 24.002 24.000 24.000 24.000 24.005 24.016 63 61.5 62 63 64 64.5 64 23.970 23.959 23.950 23.955 23.970 23.975 23.980 67 63 63 63 63.5 63.5 63 24.05 24.01 9.20 a.m 9.30 a.m 9.40 a.m 24.01 Station No. 2. Station No. 3. Station No. 4. Time. Attended ther. Bar. Attended ther. Bar. Attended ther. Bar. 1. 10 p.m 59 60 60 61 27.537 27.538 27.539 27.539 57 58 59 59 60 27.548 27.549 27.543 27.539 60 . 60.5 61 61.5 62 27.539 27.539 1.20 p.m 27.5 1.30 p.m 27.5 1.40 p.m 27.5 Insmnneotal error, -i-.005. A copy of the following was handed to each observer in charge of a station for the guidance during the month of June, 1873: " SUBFACTION-STATIOX, (No. 1,) Mimni Washington J New Hampshire May 31, 1873. On and after June 1, 1873, the time for making the observations on the several stations will be regulated as follows: Station No. 1 will give the time for adjusting the time-pieces at the several stations at 8:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.m. daily. Station No. 4 will call up each station at the times specified for making the hour observations, and receive the usual acknowledgment. CHIEF SIGNAL-OFFICER. 535 TELEGRAPH CALLS. Station No. 1— M. W. Station No. 2— S. O. Station No. 3— D. S. Station No. 4— J. S. General call for all stations — Number 1. ALFRED R. THORNETT, Observe Sergeant Signal-Sergeant U. S. A, STATION NO. 2 situated exactly at the two-mile post, which is on the upper ledge of "Jacob's Ladder," and about two hundred yards below the "Gulf Canal." Its bearing From the summit is 35° west of north. This station consists of a railroad-car 23 feet six inches long by 7 feet 3 inches wide, and 6 feet 3 inches in height, interior measurement, clapboard, and braced to secure it as much as possible from the surface of ordinary winds. There are two windows and one door. West window: 2 feet 2 inches high, by 2 feet 4 inches wide. North window: 2 feet 4 inches high, by 2 feet 6 inches wide. Door: Opens to the north, and is 5 feet 10 inches high, by 2 feet 6 inches wide. Disposition of instruments, — Barometer-cistern 5 feet 3 inches above the ground, thermometer and hygrometer (slanting roof-shelter) 1 foot from the panes of the window facing north, and in the open air, and the bulbs are 5 feet above the ground. Lemometer and anemoscope exposed upon the roof of the building. The rain-gauge is secured upon the adjacent rocks, and at a sufficient distance from any disturbing influence. STATION NO. 3. The office of this station is situated on the ground-floor and in the south end of the "Waumback House," which stands about fifty yards above the first mile-post, and consequently nearly two miles from the summit. Length of office, 13 feet; width of office, 12 feet; height of office, 8 feet. West window: 2 feet high, by 2 feet 8 inches wide. South window: 2 feet 3 inches high, by 1 foot 8 inches wide. Cue door leading from the office to a sleeping-apartment is 6 feet 7 inches high, by 2 feet 8 inches wide. Another door leads to an unoccupied room, and measures 6 feet 2 inches high, by 2 feet 8 inches wide. Its bearing from the summit is 10° north of west. Disposition of instruments. — Barometer-cistern and thermometer-bulbs 7 feet. feet 6 inches Over the ground. Thermometer and hygrometer exposed 1 foot from a window facing north, (roof-shelter,) and in the open air. Anemometer and anemoscope upon the roof of the building. Rain-gauge exposed on the ground, and free from any obstruction. The distance from the base to the summit along the line of railway is nearly three miles, therefore the several stations are almost equidistant. It would be difficult to establish them in better positions. Observers and assistants worked with a will to have all ready by the 1st of June, and everything is being done to secure a reliable record of the work performed during the month. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED R. THORNETT, Observer-Sergeant Signal-Service, U. S. -4., in charge of Stations, The Chief Signal-Officer of the Army, Washington, D. C. Daily journal for the month ending May 31, 1873. MINUTE OF Mount Washington, New Hampshire, June 1, 1873. May 1, 1873. — The barometer gradually rose from 30.11 at 1 a. m., to 30.15 at 8 a. m., and oscillating but very little; was very steady at 30.05 to 30.07 after 2 p. m.; mean thermometer, 30.10. The temperature fluctuated between 22½ and 25½; mean thermometer, 24.0. The day opened with a steady northwest wind, which changed to west at 10.30 a. m. and remained steady afterward. From 1 a. m. to 8 a. m. the velocity steadily decreased. Digitized by Google 536 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 10.30 a. m. and remained steady afterward. From 1 a. m. to 8 a. m. the velocity steadily decreased. From forty-two to fifteen miles per hour at 4 p.m., and sinking to brisk wind at night. Clear weather until 9 a.m., when a few clouds appeared, moving with the prevailing wind, and gradually increased in volume until the sky was about one-half covered. These clouds disappeared as night approached, leaving the sky above the summit, clear. About one-quarter of a mile streaked the horizon. May 2. — Up to 9 a.m., the barometer was steady at 30.06 and 30.07. From the time a steady decrease of pressure was observed, and at midnight the maximum gave a reading of 29.82; mean barometer, 29.956. The temperature was steady at 24° and 25° until 6 a.m., and then steadily increased to 32° at midday. A gradual decrease took place through the rest of the day, to 2.5° at last observation; mean thermometer, 28.0, The wind continued to blow steadily from the west during the early part of the day, became fitful in the early afternoon, backed to steady south at 1:30 p.m., and remained so for the rest of the day. Brisk and fresh velocity, rising to a moderate gale at night. The wind moderated very perceptibly through the day light hours. Fair weather up to 1 p.m., when the clouds descended and capped the mountain, culminating in a steady fall of light snow at 2:45 p.m. ., which continued all day. At 4 a.m., a small quantity of cirro-stratus clouds was observed; these were visible to a large quantity of cirro-stratus at 6 a.m., which in time gradually lost its distinct formation and became absorbed in a uniform veil of stratus in the latter part of the forenoon. The upper clouds moved with the prevailing wind. May 3.— The barometer continued falling to 29.70 at midday, and then remained nearly steady until 9 p.m., when the mercury gradually rose to 29.76 at last observation; mean barometer, 29.716. The temperature was steady at 24° and 25° up to 4 p.m., then gradually decreased to 19° at midnight; mean thermometer, 22.5. From 4 a.m. to 4 a.m., the wind oscillated between the points of south and east, settling to east a 4.50 a.m.; between 6 and 7 p.m., it suddenly chopped round to northwest, settled in north shortly after, and remained steady for the rest of the day; moderate-gale velocity prevailed through the early part of the day, gradually rising, as evening advanced, to a storm, averaging sixty miles per hour, now ceased falling at 1.25 a.m., but the weather continued threatening until it recommenced falling lightly at 6.15 a.m. This continued until 6.10 p.m., when the wind, suddenly changing to The northwest brought clearing weather. The clouds rose rapidly above the summit, and an extensive view of the surrounding country was obtained. As night approached, the clouds gradually contracted, so that about one-half of the sky was visible, and fall weather set in. The mountain is now covered with snow to a considerable depth. In some places, the drifts are almost beyond measurement, rising and falling in high waves from "Jacob's Ladder" to the summit. Below "Jacob's Ladder" the depth varies from 2 to 8 or 9 feet, but shows signs of breaking up. May 4. — The barometer rose gradually to 29.92 at 4 p.m., and then fell to 29.85 a.m. midnight; mean barometer, 29.849. The temperature was very steady up to 8 a.m. at 20-4 and 21°; rose to 24- at 11 a.m., where it remained steady until after 1 p.m.; then steady at 23-4 until 6 p.m., and at 22-4 for the rest of the day. Mean thermometer at 21.7. At 6:30 a.m. the wind backed from north to northwest, and to west at 12.45 p.m., blowing steadily from the latter quarter up to midnight. Storm velocity fell off to "high" and moderate "gale" through the middle of the day, but rose to fifty miles per hour in the afternoon and late at night. About one-quarter stratus cloud hung upon the horizon in the early morning. This gradually disappeared, and from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. only a slight haze (below the summit) thickened the atmosphere. Between 2 and 3 p. m. Sumulus clouds, moving from the northwest, partially covered the sky, but were dissipated a little before sundown, and clear weather prevailed until, at a little before midnight, a small quantity of stratus appeared first above the summit. May 5. — The barometer continued falling to 29.82 at 5 a.m.; after that hour it rose (irregularly) through the day to 30.08 at last observation; mean barometer, 29.984. The temperature fluctuated but very little. It was steady at 22½ from midnight to 9 a.m.; at 23½ from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then gradually decreased to 20½ at midnight. Mean thermometer 21.7. A very steady west wind all day, changing by northwest to north at night. Up to 9 a.m. we experienced heavy gale and storm velocity, which gradually abated during the forenoon, and settled to a brisk wind in the early afternoon. From 4 p.m. the velocity oscillated between brisk wind and moderate gale, suddenly rising to a heavy gale at 1 p.m. Fair weather opened the day, but toward 3 a.m. deubly masses of cloud accumulated over and around the summit. At 3:45 a.m., snow began falling steadily, and continued until 10:30 a.m., when the clouds appeared to be thinning, and shortly after 2 p.m., they rose above the summit, showing about three-fourths cumulus moving from the west, and a clear atmosphere below. The clouds gradually disappeared as the day passed, leaving a slight haze hanging over the country below the surrounding summits, and from sunset to midnight the weather was clear. For several weeks past, we have experienced considerable difficulty in cutting our way out of the depot and in letting daylight through the windows. Enormous drifts of snow have formed about the building, and as fast as a passage is cut out, and the windows cleaned, the wind drives in the snow to fill up the gaps, so that the force is usually divided. In the cook, observer, and show-shoveler, consequently time does not hang very heavily upon our hands. The temperature has been, and is, so constant below zero, that it is difficult to say when this monotonous state of things is going to change. One drift reaches more than half way up the roof of the depot. May 6. — The barometer rose to 30.21 at midday, and the readings showed very little variations during the remainder of the day. The instrument gave evidence that the pressure of the atmosphere was very uneven, and a great deal of care had to be exercised, while the minute observations were being made, to insure a correct record of the height of the mercury, which was continually oscillating and balking the eye of the observer. At this station, we frequently experience similar trouble. Mean barometer, 30.192. The temperature was steady from 19° to 22°. It increased from 11° at 1 a.m. to 21° at 9 a.m., stood steady at 22° until 7 p.m., and then gradually decreased to 20° at midnight. Mean thermometer 20.5. The wind continued from the north with heavy gale velocity, until it changed rapidly to west between 1 and 2 p.m., and settled at that point for the rest of the day. At sunset, the velocity decreased to high wind, but shortly after increased to A heavy gale, and between 11 p.m. and midnight, attained a maximum for the day of sixty miles per hour. Clear weather prevailed. A light haze, which hung over the country below the summits in the early part of the day, became very dense as daylight ended. The atmosphere was comparatively clear after 10 p.m. The only clouds that were to be seen were a few isolated stratus, which appeared now and then through the day, and always near the horizon. May 7.— The barometer rose to 30.41 at last observation. Mean barometer, 30.380. The temperature decreased to 19° at 3 p.m., and remained steady until after 6 a.m., when a steady increase set in, the mercury jumping from 24° to 28° between 10 and 11 a.m., and to 32° at 12.22 p.m. From 1 p.m. a gradual decrease took place, and at midnight the thermometer read 26°; mean thermometer, 26°.2. The wind continued from the west until 6 a.m., and then gradually veered round by northwest to north, but returned to west at midday, and continued so until it died away to "cool" at 7 p.m.; shortly after a breeze sprang up from the north, when it remained steady for the rest of the day. Storm velocity steadily diminished to a fresh breeze at 9 a.m., and until it fell calm at sunset. From the time that the north wind arose in the evening the velocity steadily increased to " brisk," and varied but very slightly through the rest of the day. Throughout the twenty-four hours the lower country was covered With a light haze, and a few cirro-stratus clouds appeared and disappeared at intervals of several hours. The sun's heat is beginning to make a decided difference in the appearance of the mountain. A large quantity of snow has melted within the last two days, and the railroad track is steadily emerging from its winter covering. The rocks are peeping out, and a few days of fine weather will leave them comparatively clear. From 8 to 9 p.m., the horizon between the points of north and northwest was darkened with an auroral belt, which had the appearance of a lambent flame of a deep-red color at the base, and of a light yellow at the tips. The aurora was almost stationary, remained with little apparent change for nearly thirty minutes, and then gradually died away. May 8. — The barometer remained stationary at 30.38 to 30.42 until 3 p.m., and then gradually dropped to 30.31 at midnight. Mean barometer, 30.382. The temperature rapidly increased from 25°, in the early morning, to 36° at 11 a.m.; was steady at 35° and 36° until 4 p.m., and gradually decreased to 30° at last observation. Mean thermometer, 31°.7. The wind continued from the north with greatly diminished velocity, until it fell calm between 3 and 4 a.m. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. there was a gentle, clear breeze from the north, inclining a little to northwest. Calm for an hour between 4 and 6 p.m., then brisk wind from the northwest (changing again to north, at 7:30 p.m.) until the close of the day. The ravines and valleys are still filled with light haze. Today the sky has been from one to three-fourths covered with a great light. ety of cirrus cloud, well-defined cirrus-stratus predominating. At times immense torres-tails of pure cirrus were observed, but they were rapidly divided into the various brmations to which this cloud is subject. These clouds stretched across the sky in parallel lines, which appeared to converge in the east and west. They moved very slowly from the northwest. A broad halo encircled the moon. The day has been very fine, and the snow is certainly going away rapidly. The temperature has been higher today (36°) than at any time since the year began. Altogether, we begin to feel that winter has really gone, and that summer is approaching. May 9. — From 1 a. m. until 2 p. m. the barometer oscillated between 30.24 and 30.28, and then dropped to 30.18 at last observation. Mean barometer, 30.231. The temperature gradually decreased to 24° at 6 a. m., and remained steady for nearly two hours after; then steadily increased to 28° at 11 a. m., and from that hour the mercury oscillated between 26° and 29°; mean thermometer, 27°.2. Shortly before 1 a. m. the wind changed direction (very suddenly) to southeast, where it remained steady until after 8 a. m. From that time until 10 p. m. it was unsteady, frequently veering to east. and back to southeast, but settled to southeast late at night. High and galo Telocit; prevailed. Fair weather prevailed until 3 p.m., when it became cloudy, and at 6:30 p.m. sleet began to fall; stopped at 10:30 p.m.; threatening weather closing the day. Early in the morning a few stratus clouds appeared at intervals, but the principal cloud was ill-delined cirro-stratus, moving with the prevailing winds. From 6 a.m. to the sky was partially covered with a light veil of stratus, apparently or a uniform thickness, and rising high above the summits. After 4 p.m. the ravines began to fill with dense masses of cloud which were rapidly advanced by the wind from the southeast until, at 4:30 p.m., the summit was completely shrouded, and remained so for the rest of the day. The sleet fell in minute particles, and was not very heavy. A team has been driven into the base today. This is the first time. This year, that wheels have been able to pass over the last two miles to the mountain. The mill is reported as ready to work next week. Last year, it started on the 5th of May. May 10. — The barometer fell slightly through the early part of the day, but after a.m., rose steadily to 30.17 at last observation. Mean barometer, 30.151. Up to 6 a.m., the temperature fluctuated between 28° and 30°, steadily increased to 3.5° in the early afternoon, and was very unsteady afterward, between 32° and 35°. Mean thermometer, 33.5°. After blowing unsteadily from the south and southwest in the morning, the wind settled to the former point at 6 a.m., and remained steady until 5 p.m. When it became very uncertain, coming from all points between southwest and northwest, and continued to be unsettled during the latter part of the day; calm at midnight. Heavy gale and storm velocity gradually subsided after 10 a.m. to "calm" at last observation. Threatening weather opened the day; heavy rain fell from 7:30 to 8:22 a.m., and the summit was shrouded with saturating clouds until 3:30 p.m., when clearing weather set in, and from sunset until midnight the weather was fair. In the latter part of the day, the ravines were filled with an immense quantity of fleecy clour which formed a level and unbroken sea as far as the eye could reach, giving to the fevered peaks that were not covered the appearance of small islands, and utterly concealing the surrounding country from observation. A few cirrus clouds moved with the prevailing wind. May 11. — The barometer fell throughout the day to 29.88 at last observation. Mear barometer, 29.904. The temperature fluctuated between 32° and 38°, and was very uneven, sometimes falling or rising 3° in less than thirty minutes. The highest temperature was observed at 2 p.m. Mean thermometer,.35°. Between 1 and 2 a.m. a brisk wind arose from the southwest, which backed to south at 11 a.m., and then remained steady for the rest of the day. The velocity oscillated between gentle and high wind. The day opened with very fine weather. This morning the appearance and position of the clouds were much the same as when last observed, but the illusive nature of the scene was much enhanced by the faithfulness with which the clouds simulated the well-known features of the great watery element. Masses of cloud rushed between the mountain peaks that arone above them, forming cataracts of great volume and beauty, breakers rolled and tossed above the mountains immediately beneath the surface, and Pretty bays were created in the regular shores of the various exposed summits. Waves of light and shade of so rare a kind swept over the whole expanse when the sun rose above the horizon, that words fail to convey the barest impression felt by those who witnessed the sublime creation. The illusion was so complete that we almost forgot the physical features of the surrounding country in the contemplation of the wonderful beauty of the aerial ocean which shut it out from view. Shortly after 7 a.m., the summit was suddenly enveloped in dense clouds, showers followed, and at 2:47 p.m., heavy rain began. This continued up to 11:30 p.m., but diminished in quantity as the day wore on. Cloudy weather at last observation. March 12. — The barometer fell steadily in the early morning, and then remained comparatively steady for the rest of the day. Mean barometer, 29.756. The temperature increased to 32° at 3 a.m.; was very steady at that point until 8 p.m., when it gradually decreased and the mercury settled to 29° for the last three observations. Mean thermometer, 31°.5. At a few minutes past 5 a.m., the wind abruptly changed to north, backed to west between 2 and 3 p.m., and to northwest shortly afterward. The velocity gradually increased from gentle to high wind, and to a heavy grale after sunset. Dense clouds covered the summit in the beginning of the day. Light rain began falling at 2.40 a.m.; turned to sleet at 5.30 a.m., and ceased at 8.12 a.m. Between 3 p.m. and sunset an interval of fair weather took place. After sunset thick clouds surrounded and covered the summit, no change for The better being observed during the rest of the day. We are now very busy cutting through the large snowdrifts that have formed within and without the depot. May 13.— The barometer tells steadily to 29.46 at 6 p.m., and then gradually rose to 29.58 at midnight. Mean barometer, 29.587. The temperature was steady in the morning, fluctuating between 27° and 30°; rose to 34° at 1 p.m., and from that hour decreased to 26° at last observation. Mean thermometer, 29.5. The wind veered to the west between 1 and 2 a.m., and to northwest shortly before 2 p.m., remaining steady for the rest of the day. High and fall velocity all day. The morning opened with fair weather; a few cirrus clouds moved with the prevailing wind, and from one to two-fourths stratus hovered over and hung about the neighboring mountains. Early in the forenoon the summit became covered with dense clouds, heavily charged with moisture, and the weather for the rest of the day was very cloudy and threatening. From midday until midnight we were favored with frequent showers of light rain and sleet. These attempts were very insignificant, and the amount collected barely enough to allow of a measurement being made. 