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Show 1274 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS. Mountains, then, after occupying these for triangulation and topography, to Sabinal; here the party was divided, Mr. Maxson, Mr. George Dunn, and one packer proceeding up the Puerco Creek, while the maiu party proceeded to Los Lunas, where the side ? arty was to rejoin them. Again we were reminded of the approaching wii. ter seasou. he mountains inclosing the valley were covered with snow. From Los Lunas we moved to Ojo de la Casa, on the western slope of the Manzanos, thence southward to A bo Pass, miming along the base with traverse- lines up the drains and occupying Son th Manzanos Peak, working up thus the western draining and topographical forms of these mountaius. In the low range to the south several subordinate points were occulted for topography as three- point stations, from which accurate sketches, instrumental)? checked, were made. The belt extending to the river was thus traversed. From Socorros we proceeded to Fort Craig, at which point we were to obtain rations. Arriving there November 10, we were detained by a snow- storm for three days. From Fort Craig we worked up the belt east of the river between the Cbupadero plateau, and the Rio Grande up to Abo; thence we proceeded to MesteRito Spring; here we were overtaken by another snow- storm, covering the grass entirely. To save our animals we proceeded to a ranch, at Antelope Spring, where forage could be obtained, marching all day in a blinding snow- storm, nnable to see a hundred yards ahead of ns. The trail had to be followed by occasionally noticing little depressions in the snow. We arrived late in the afternoon. That night the thermometer fell to 16$ u below zero. Fortunately none of the auimals were froze i, although at other ranches we afterward heard of font teen being frozen to death in one h* rd and twenty- nine in another, and doubtless if we had not been able to obtain the shelter of a stockade ours also would have been lost. This extreme cold determined us to start on the return trip. Moving to LOB POSOS del Puis, we there reached the point farthest southeast covered by our work during the season. Moving northward over the main route from Fort Stanton to Anton Chico, we passed through there November 30. The weather having moderated somewhat, we eccupi « d Mesa Cbnpaines for triangnlations; thence, crossing the Gallinas Creek at the La Liendre, we went up Cafion del A go a, and from there to Fort Unionby way of Las Vegas. At this point we received the most, cordial treatment at the hands of the officers. From Union our route led to the Vado de laPiedra, or Rock Ranch ford of the Canadian ; thence, by the Dry Cimarron rente to the Chaquaqua Cafion. Leaving the old Dodge cut- off a short distance beyond this, we went by the n^- w route, which crosses the Purgatoire at Nine- Mile Bottom and makes junctiou with the Trinidad road a short distance south of Alkaline Station. This route we followed to Fort Lyon, at which post the party arrived December 14. The topographical instruments u « ed during the season were first Buff and Berger 8- inch transit, graduated to 10 seconds horizontal limb, capable of being read by a practiced eye to5 seconds. This instrument was very good, and worked to entire satisfaction during the season ; it was used on all mean- triangnlation stations. One of Stack pole's 7- inch transits, one Young, and one Cassella meandering transit were also used. Horizontal distances were measured by odometer, checked by numerous three- point stations, the whole depending upon tbe primary and secondary triaugulation- points of the system developed from the base near Santa Fe*, the oo- ordiuates of the extremities of which were astronomically determined in 1873. The meteorological instruments used were two cistern barometers, three aneroids with the complement of hygrometers, maximum and minimum, and pocket thermometers. One of the cistern barometers used had Lientenant Marshall's improvement, consisting of a closely- fitting inner tube filled with plaster of Paris, completely enveloping the barometer tube, excepting opposite tbe tcale, where a slit was made'to permit reading. This barometer was used for mountain work, and was very much stronger, supported as it was, than the ordinary tube. It was dropped from the shoulder of the meteorologist once, falling on end; it then fell over to its side on a board floor and did not break. Later in the season it was broken by a kick from a mnle; even then it was not shattered, but cracked throughout the length of tbe tube opposite the scale where unsupported. Although a little heavier, it is certainly much better able to stand a season's work than the present form, which does well enough for the standard for camp*. The field astronomical instruments used were one sextant and artificial horizon. The season's work was very satisfactory; each of the assistants, Mr. Mux son, George M. Duun, and Lanier Dunn, bending every effort to secure such resnlts as deserved the highest commendation. Working in the most untiring manner, Mr. Maxson's labors were rewarded by his triangles closing very finely. The meteorological work also attested the care of Mr. Dunn. Each member of the party endeavored to contribute to a harmonious whole, and sncceeded. Between seven and eight thousand square miles of country were completed, in accomplishing which tbe party traveled between eighteen and nineteen hundred miles, occupied fifteen triangulation stations, one huu-dred and ninety- one three- point stations, and about fifteen hundred minor stations, the altitudes of all which were determined and entered into the vertical representation of the couutry. The transportation returned in fair condition, considering that nearly all the time they had no corn and much of the time but scanty grass, and at many camps were without water. |
