156 EXAMINE OBSERVATORY. [November, 



frozen, formed a level promenade about six inches above 

 the ice. Thus from every evil some benefit results, if 

 we be only disposed to view matters as boons of Pro- 

 vidence. The fissures in the ice, both in-shore and off 

 into deep water, were also more numerous. 



I have before noticed that this is not a snow-clad re- 

 gion, that is, the land, and this morning has verified 

 that observation. The gale has denuded the entire coast, 

 except in the ravines, where it is almost perpetual, bridg- 

 ing over the watercourses, where, during thaws, the water 

 flows with rapidity beneath. 



To-day, the 14th of November, the gale abated. Yes- 

 terday the Master had been able to extricate the chrono- 

 meter from the Observatory, and had I been aware of 

 his intention would have prevented it. The opening 

 the door to-day was attended with a kind of mysterious 

 feeling, difficult to describe; but a solemn, unaccount- 

 able oppression, similar to entering a long sealed tomb, 

 weighed upon me, and yet there was literally nothing 

 more than the dreariness attending the effect produced 

 by any house overwhelmed by snow. The sensation was 

 similar to the exploration of a cave, the work of ages. 

 The scene before me was however one of Nature's imme- 

 diate recent acts. I must say that it afforded informa- 

 tion, experience, and matter for reflection : what more 

 can I add? 



The scene before me was new, and, as connected with 

 my instruments, charged with deep interest. In our ex- 

 ternal portico the aneroid barometer, the wet and dry 

 bulb thermometers, and some maximum thermometers 

 were placed. Be it remembered that this was a portico, 



