104 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



then with boards ; a layer of sheathing paper was added, and wall paper spread 

 upon this. The ceiling is formed of two thicknesses of boards with sheathing paper 

 between, and the inner walls consist of single thicknesses of boards, sheathing paper, 

 and wall paper. There are two double windows, or rather half-windows, on the westerly 

 side of the room, and these are protected by strips of board without. The door of 

 the room is of ordinary size, but the outer door is nothing but a little opening two feet 

 square, some two feet from the floor. 



We have thus far described none of the precautions taken to prevent the building 

 from being torn to pieces by the terrible winter tempests, or from being blown away 

 altogether. The frame-work is of the strongest possible kind, and is fitted together in 

 the best manner. The sills extend beyond the walls eight or ten feet, and every means 

 are taken to fasten the structure down to its rocky base. Within, bolts, iron rods, and 

 wooden braces add strength to the walls, and three strong iron chains, securely fastened 

 to the rocks, pass over the roof. Notwithstanding all these provisions, the building 

 rocks and bends before a furious wind-storm in a manner well calculated to create 

 consternation and dismay. An ordinary house would stand no longer before such terrific 

 blasts than would a house of cards before an ordinary wind. The great gale in Decem- 

 ber awakened the fears of the party for the safety of the depot, but, as the structure 

 stood that frightful assault, it was thought no further clanger on that score need be 

 apprehended. It was nevertheless thought best to strengthen the walls with addi- 

 tional braces and supports. 



The work of the expedition was begun by Mr. Huntington, who 

 ascended November 12, and was for nearly three weeks alone upon the 

 mountain. We copy from his journal : 



November 12. Started from Marshfield at 7 A. M. ; arrived at the summit of Mt. 

 Washington at 9:30. It rained until I got within three fourths of a mile of the sum- 

 mit ; then there was a frozen mist. The snow was six inches deep at Ammonoosuc ; at 

 Waumbek Junction, a foot. At the second tank the snow was drifted ; none on the 

 ties above. On the summit it was drifted so that neither at the Summit nor the Tip-top 

 house could the doors be seen ; there was very little about the depot. I am here alone, 

 but should have come if I had known that I had to stay alone all winter. 



November 15. Have been above the clouds all clay long. Some of the time not a 

 single mountain top could be seen. Occasionally Mts. Adams and Jefferson would 

 appear, but most of the day in every direction was this illimitable sea of clouds. 



November 24. The barometer lower this morning than it has been before. Wind 

 blowing fiercely from the north-west, not steadily, but in gusts. The house creaks in 

 every joint. It is something fearful to sit here alone and hear the wind howl, while 

 showers of ice are blown against the side of the building and along the roof. 



November 30. Clear until 2 p. m., when light clouds began to pass over the moun- 



