MOUNT RAINIER 



the ascent of Mount Rainier, recording such geo- 

 graphical and topographical observations as might be 

 feasible. As a member of the expedition Professor 

 McClure was placed in charge of the elevation depart- 

 ment and set before himself a somewhat more distinct 

 and definite purpose, viz., to ascertain by the most 

 approved methods and with the most accurately grad- 

 uated instruments the precise height of the famous and 

 beautiful mountain. How well he accomplished this 

 purpose will best appear in the subjoined letter from 

 Professor E. H. McAlister, his friend and colleague, 

 who with infinite care and sympathetic zeal has worked 

 out the data, which would otherwise have been un- 

 decipherable not only to the general public but to the 

 average scholar. As he himself said when he had com- 

 pleted his arduous task : " I have done everything 

 possible to wring the truth from the observations. In 

 my judgment they should become historic on account 

 of the probability of their great accuracy." 



To the accomplishment of this object Professor 

 McClure brought all the varied resources of a ripe cul- 

 ture and an ardent, vigorous young manhood. His 

 plans were all laid with the greatest care. To him their 

 fulfillment meant not so much a personal or selfish 

 triumph as a victory for science. The very instrument 

 on which he most relied for accurate determinations, 

 as will be seen from Professor McAlister's statement, 

 was not only hallowed by scientific associations, but 

 was prepared for its high mission more lovingly and 

 assiduously than a favorite racer would be groomed 

 for the course. Twice had it looked upon the beauties 

 of the Columbia river from the summit of Mount 

 Hood, and on three other lofty peaks it had served its 

 silent but efficient ministry to the cause of science. On 

 one of these, Mount Adams, the altitude determined 

 with this instrument was accepted by the United States 

 government, yet a new tube was filled for it, Professor 

 McClure himself preparing the mercury by distillation, 



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