OBSEEVATORY AT CORDOBA, ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 279 



and these were not easily accessible. And although my powers were 

 already taxed to their utmost by the astronomical work, it seemed to 

 me that it would be disloyal alike to science and to the country to which. 

 I owe so much gratitude and affection, did I not make some efibrt to 

 remedy this defect. In public communications and j)rivate conferences 

 I called the attention of the government to the need of such a national 

 meteorological office, and offered such aid as I could give. The mete- 

 orological office was thereupon established without opposition ; funds 

 being voted for the salary of a secretary, and for the purchase of instru- 

 ments, to be distributed to such competent persons as might be willing 

 to undertake systematic observations. This is the second year, and 

 means have now been provided for computing and publishing the obser- 

 vations received, and for purchasing yet more instruments. There seem 

 to be persons enough who are able and willing to undertake the neces- 

 sary labor, troublesome as' it is, and with no other stimulus than their 

 desire to serve science and their country. In three cases I have found, 

 gentlemen who have carried on observatiohs of the sort during past 

 years, unaided and unencouraged. These have cordially offered all their 

 data, gratified at seeijig their labors appreciated at last, and their results 

 put in the way of rendering service to science and the country. The 

 transportation of delicate instruments in the interior is extremely difficult 

 and hazardous. Outside the province of Buenos Ay res few railroads are 

 yet completed, and notwithstanding the recent efforts of the govern- 

 ment, there are as yet few roads over which a vehicle can safely pass 

 for any considerable distance. But I am gradually succeeding in con- 

 veying mercurial barometers, thermometers of various sorts, rain-gauges, 

 vanes, anemometers, &c., into remote regions, and the monthly reports 

 have already begun to flow in from various quarters. The ijriucipal 

 objects at first must be to interest and instruct observers, to provide 

 them with facilities, and to collect and reduce all possible data, old and 

 new, and subject them to careful study. Thus far I feel well satisfied 

 with the interest already awakened, and I think that this young nation, 

 so long struggling with foreign enemies and internal dissensions, has 

 reason to be proud of the number, relatively large, even though intrin- 

 sically small, who are ready to work for her welfare and honor, without 

 hope of personal glory or emolument. A few years will afford material 

 for a knowledge of the climatic relations of various points 5 I shall then 

 hope for simultaneous observations in numerous places, and who knows 

 but the Argentine Eepublic may yet have an " OldProbabiliities" of her 

 own ? 



I cannot close this cursory but, I fear, tedious sketch of the results 

 of my undertaking, without referring again to the extreme friendliness 

 and kindness of the people. Not to dwell too much upon personal mat- 

 ters, let me say, once for all, that from no Argentine, high or low, have 

 we had other experience than cordial hospitality, fraternal kindness, or 

 respectful consideration. A heartier welcome, a sincerer sympathy in 



