JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 109 
the normal—a rather surprising exhibit to those who take it for 
granted that the sun never ceases smiling at Denver. 
The rarity and dryness of the atmosphere are very favorable to 
astronomic observation, as distant objects can be so clearly seen. 
In tracing the path of the comet last autumn, Prof. Howe, of Den- 
ver University, was able with a 20-inch telescope to hold the 
celestial wanderer as long as did Lick University with its 36-inch 
glass. That surely is a remarkable demonstration of the value of 
elevated dry atmosphere to the astronomer. And the same thing is 
to be noted when we compare this area with that of the Atlantic 
slope. ‘The University of Virginia operates with a 26-inch lens, and 
it so happened that her astronomer and Denver’s were at the same 
time closely examining the Milky Way. On comparing notes it was 
discovered that Colorado held the great cluster fully as long as did 
Virginia. 
Another advantage of our aerie dryness lies in the fact that our 
astronomers see objects lower on the horizon than is possible in a 
denser atmosphere. But lest you conclude that I am afflicted with 
the alleged western propensity to exaggerate, and of claiming every- 
thing that is out of doors, I hasten to admit a single drawback. 
And it is our own blessed, boasted mountains that are the dis- 
counting element. ‘These giant ranges are veritable storm centers. 
Around their heads the elernents are battling. It is interesting to 
the ordinary beholder, but to the student of the heavens it is a dis- 
tracting phenomenon, for atmospheric steadiness is impaired by this 
warfare, and sometimes observations must be suspended in conse- 
quence. This is the thorn amongst the roses, the fly in the oint- 
ment ; but if Denver will indulge in the luxury of these ramparts of 
the continent—well, she must pay the cost. 
In stating my impressions of the Colorado sky by day, it is 
obvious that the color must receive attention. “Cerulean blue” 
is a thoroughly orthodox term, but you will notice that it has a 
stronger significance out here, whether you gaze into the sky from 
the depths of the Royal Gorge (awe-inspiring), or contemplate its 
azure expanse from the apparently boundless plains, meeting the 
level horizon everywhere. I am at a loss to say which I find more 
impressive—the standpoint of the mountains (dark, grand, immense), 
or that of the plains, whose vast stretches of “ flats” and “divides,” 
