138 Thirty Years 



three days, and that of the water in the river de- 

 creased from 49° to 44°. 



Id the afternoon of September the 6 th, we removed 

 our tent to the summit of a hill, about three miles 

 distant, for the better observing the eclipse, which 

 was calculated to occur on tbe nest morning. We 

 were prevented, however, from witnessing it by a 

 heavy snow-storm, and the only observation we could 

 then make was to examine whether the temperature 

 of the atmosphere altered during the eclipse, but we 

 found that both the mercurial and spirit thermometers 

 remained steadily at 30° for a quarter of an hour 

 previous to its commencement, during its continuance, 

 and for half an hour subsequent to its termination ; 

 we remarked the wind increased very much, and the 

 snow fell in heavier flakes just after the estimated 

 time of its commencement. This boisterous weather 

 continued until three P.M., when the wind abated, 

 ami the snow changed to rain. 



The men continued to work diligently at the house, 

 and by the 30th of September had nearly completed 



i: for OUr reception, when a heavy fall of rain washed 



t part, of the mud oil* the roof. This rain 



was remarked by the Indians as unusual, after what 



they had deemed so decided a commencemenl of winter 

 in the early part of ihe month. The mean temper- 

 ature for the month wan 33*4°, but the thermometer had 



.is low jim 1 i on i ' ■ ; ■ r> ' )i0 



