86 Mountains in New York. 



measurement ; a discrepancy which cannot be attributed to any 

 inaccuracy of adjustment in the instrument used by me, since if by 

 any error in this respect, the angle of elevation was too great or too 

 small in one case, it was also too great or too small in the other, 

 producing a corresponding elevation or depression in both. Nei- 

 ther can it be attributed to a difference in the estimated allowance 

 for refraction, for this allowance was the same in both cases ; 

 hence if too great or too small, the elevations of both were simi- 

 larly affected and to the same amount. The observations were 

 also made from the same spot at nearly the same time of the same 

 day ; hence there could probably be no great difference in the re- 

 fractive power of the atmosphere. 



Again, so great a difference could not well result from an error 

 in the distances, for although these were obtained as stated from 

 the map, they were tested by comparing with known distances 

 upon the same map, the latter having been projected on a large 

 scale and compiled from actual surveys, with the positions of the 

 several peaks, as is believed very accurately defined, that of Mt. 

 Marcy in particular, coinciding very fiearly with the location and 

 bearing of it from Whiteface and other points, as described by 

 Mr. EnuTions. That some other peak was taken for Mt. Marcy, 

 as is intimated by Mr. Emmons, is therefore scarcely possible, 

 more especially as it is certain that the one observed was the 

 highest of the group in which Mt. Marcy is situated. Had the 

 peak in question been a lower instead of the highest one of the 

 group, its not being " distinguishable" could be urged by Mr. 

 Emmons with more propriety. 



Assuming therefore, as is proper to do under these circumstan- 

 ces, that the trigonometrical measurement exhibits very nearly 

 the relative elevations of the high peaks in Yermont and New 

 York, it follows, that to place Mr. Emmons's barometrical meas- 

 urements of Whiteface and Mt. Marcy upon a par, as it regards 

 accuracy, with the barometrical measurements of Camels Hump 

 and Mansfield, that the former should be reduced, the first about 

 290 and the second about 800 feet ; or in other words, these are 

 the differences in the barometrical measurements by the two ob- 

 servers. Both surely cannot be correct ; and it is equally certain 

 also, that both inay be incorrect. Until, therefore, Mr. Emmons 

 shall have proved, that his measurements are entitled to a higher 

 degree of confidence, he must submit to have their accuracy ques- 



