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Show 4 RECONNAISSANCE IN THE UTE COUNTRY. the efficiency of the geologist's assistant, L. Hawn. His report on the Lower Animas Eiver is one of the most interesting portions of the entire report. I beg to state that, although I have slightly altered the form of the geological report, I have endeavored to change nothing in its sense. I am in nowise responsible for any position held therein. REPORT ON METEOROLOGY. It was not at first intended to do more than to carry along a barometer, for an approximate profile, but the unwearied attention to the matter of Professor Hawn and Mr. L. Hawn has given this department a confidence it could not otherwise have possessed, and I consider the record as all that could have been expected. The tables, as furnished, will be examined again in connection with the numerous observations made for, horary curves, and it is hoped a full and accurate set of tables will be the result of careful handling of very imperfect instruments. The various altitudes and thermometries^ means are incorporated in the general table giving a synopsis of statistics, and in the special tables furnishing data for profiles of passes. ASTRONO> Ilr. This was perhaps the most important branch of the expedition. Mr. Prontwas employed during the preceding winter largely in preparation and practice for this. The system of geodetic determination carried on by the instrumental azimuth and distance was checked in three ways by astronomy. 1st. The azimuth, of course, required daily determination by instrument, either sextant or theodolite. 2d. The astronomical latitude. 3d. The astronomical longitude by chronometers. The party was fitted out with two pocket chronometers, by Hutton, only fair, and a box chronometer. The latter, carried in a basket, was undoubtedly dropped by a soldier while carrying it, as the broken crystals determine, and the accident occurred before any use was made of it. Opportunity has not been afforded yet for a careful study of the full and numerous astronomical determinations made. A careful series of lunar distances at the extreme west of the line will furnish some check on the entire distance from Pueblo. I, myself, assisted by Prof. T. H. Safford, of Dearborn Observatory, determined the longitude of Pueblo by telegraph. A full report of this was published in the . Report of the Chief of Engine e.- s for 1873. I cannot help thinking that when carefully computed the determination of the 107° meridian on this line will have a close degree of accuracy. The astronomical latitudes are given in the general tables, and it is intended to prepare a complete set of tables showiug the various observations and computations. PHOTO & RAPIIY'. The photography of the expedition was conducted by Mr. T. Hine, from Messrs. Copelin & Son, photographers, of Chicago. The indefatigable industry and zeal of this gentleman collected an unbroken series of views illustrating the entire trip, and marred only by two accidents, namely, on approaching Hamilton Pass he met with an injury from falling from his mule, which disabled him for several days and interfered with his collecting views of this interesting portion of the march. |