90 
was erected, which had previously been constructed in 
Washington. 
The Chilian government received the expedition with a 
cordial hospitality, placing at his disposal any unoccupied 
public ground, admitting free of duty all the effects of the 
officers as well as the equipments of the expedition, and 
from first to last facilitating the enterprise by every means 
in their power. On the 6th December, 1849, the equatorial 
was in position, on the 10th the series of observations of 
Mars was commenced, and it was continued for the fifty-two 
remaining nights which had been designated in the pro- 
gramme, with the loss of only four, on which the weather 
was unfavorable. Early in February the circle was ready 
for use, and a series of zone observations was commenced 
with it at 15° from the pole,— working toward the zenith 
on successive nights in belts 24’ wide, until compelled to re- 
turn below again in order to connect.in right ascension. 
“We were always occupied,” says Gilliss, “from five to six, 
and sometimes more, hours. Lieutenant MacRae and myself 
devoted alternate nights to these observations, very rarely 
having relief by clouds until after April 21. Indeed, be- 
tween Feb. 4th and that date, seventy-six nights, there were 
only four of them obscure. The rains of latter autumn and 
winter came none too soon for us.” 
Meantime, at the application of the Minister of Public 
Instruction, three young Chilians were instructed in astron- 
omy and the use of instruments; and magnetic and meteor- 
ological observations were systematically carried on- Mr. 
_ Hunter having been injured early in January by being throw? 
from a horse, was obliged to return to the United States, 
his place was supplied by Passed-midshipman S. L. Phelps, 
- : the: same who has since, as Lieutenant-Commander, rendered 
- _ such essential service to the country in naval operations upo? 
the oe and other Western rivers. 
