150 
RECENT TRI ANGULATION IN THE CASCADES 
with which the Coast Survey has mapj^ecl out the waters of the 
United States. 
Historically the investigations set on foot l)y the Smithsonian 
Institution should be noticed, for from these has come, directly 
or indirectly, nearly all our information concerning hydrograj^hy 
in its broader aspect. The systematic study of precipitation was 
first begun under this institution, and after being well established 
was turned over to the Signal Office, the predecessor of the 
^^’eather Bureau. In other lines the Smithsonian Institution 
has in similar manner shown the way, and when feasible has 
entrusted the continuation of the investigations to other organ- 
izations, in order that it might concentrate its own energies on 
other original lines of research tending to “the increase and dif- 
fusion of knowledge.” 
RECENT TRIANGULATION IN THE CASCADES 
By S. S. Gannett, 
United States Geological Survey 
During the field season of 1895, the United States Geological 
Survey extended triangulation over a portion of central Wash- 
ington. An astronomical determination of Ellensburg having 
been made, a Ijase was measured on the roadbed of the Northern 
Pacific railroad. From this base, triangulation Avas extended 
into the Cascade mountains. Horizontal angles Avere measured 
Avith an eight-inch theodolite, reading by micrometers to tAvo 
seconds of arc. Vertical measures Averc also taken upon some of 
the more prominent peaks, angles being measured by a vertical 
circle four and one-half inches in diameter and reading by ver- 
nier to one minute of arc. EleAUitions are based upon the height 
of the Northern Pacific railroad at Ellensburg. 
The ])reliminary comi)utation gives the eleA’ation of mount 
Aix, by recii)rocal observations to and from stations in the base 
ex|iansion, 28 miles distant, as 7,815 feet above sea level. 
Mount Rainier, by foresights from mount Aix, 24 miles dis- 
tant, is found to be 14,532 feet, mount Adams, likeAvise l)y fore- 
sights from mount Aix, 42 miles distant, 12,470 feet, and mount 
Stuart, by foresights from several stations in the base expansion 
24 to 30 miles distant, 9,500 feet, above sea level. 
