180 T. C. Mendenliall — The Alaskan Boundary Survey. 



tion and topography as would be necessary for the identification 

 of the locations of the observing camps, and to establish perma- 

 nent monuments as nearly as may be upon the meridian line. 



These two parties, one to occujjy a camp on the Yukon river 

 as nearly as possible where it is intersected by the 141st meridian 

 and the other on the Porcupine, were directed respectively by 

 Mr McGrath and Mr Turner, whose observations are summarized 

 in the following papers. 



It was estimated that one year would be sufficient for the ac- 

 complishment of the work, and this estimate was a liberal one, 

 provided ordinary Aveather conditions had prevailed in that part 

 of the country. It was found, however, that these conditions 

 were extremely unfavorable, especially for astronomical work, on 

 account of the continued cloudiness, rendering observations for 

 a long time absolutely impossible. The extreme Ioav tempera- 

 ture also rendered work difficult, and this of itself would have 

 stood in the way of an early completion of the task had it been 

 possible to carry on the astronomical observations. It thus hap- 

 pened that, notwithstanding the rigor of the climate and the diffi- 

 culty, if not impossibility, of obtaining supplies from outside 

 sources, these parties were obliged to remain in the interior of 

 Alaska during two years. Notwithstanding the unfavorable con- 

 ditions under which they existed during this time, every indi- 

 vidual of both parties returned in good health and in good con- 

 dition. Indeed, there was scarcely a case of even ordinary illness 

 during the entire campaign, a fact wdiich must reflect great credit 

 upon those charged with the management of the parties. 



So far as we have been able to ascertain by recollections and 

 comparisons made up to this date, the work with which Messrs 

 McGrath and Turner were charged has been done in a manner 

 entirely satisfactory and so as to reflect great credit u]Don these 

 gentlemen. I am sure they have very much to tell you which is 

 of interest in relation to their experiences in this almost unknown 

 and unexplored region, and I will not longer stand in the way of 

 their doing so. 



