98 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



Application was made to Gen. A. J. Myer, the chief signal officer, for 

 funds to aid in carrying out this enterprise, allowing the weather office 

 to share its benefits. The answer, dated September 14th, stated that the 

 chief signal officer could "hardly appropriate money for the object named; 

 but it may be in the power of this office, with the approval of the secre- 

 tary of war, to detail an observer for the position you propose to occupy." 

 In further correspondence, he stated his willingness to provide an insu- 

 lated telegraph wire, to extend from the summit of Mt. Washington to 

 the railroad station at its base; adding, however, that he could not sanc- 

 tion any special arrangement to furnish any one paper exclusively with 

 the weather reports. He proposed himself to furnish weather reports 

 from all the stations throughout the country to the principal newspapers, 

 as well as to the chambers of commerce. He also offered to provide the 

 meteorological instruments required for the station. Thus the means 

 were provided for sending daily telegrams, but it necessitated a change 

 from the proposal to send the weather reports exclusively to the New 

 York Tribune, and left the enterprise as poor as ever. 



In a letter of October 7th, the chief signal officer announced that he 

 had sent to the state geologist three miles of insulated Kerite telegraph 

 wire, two telegraph instruments, two sections, and four conductors, to 

 the value of ^1,032 ; and that an instructed observer would probably be 

 detailed to join the expedition. These telegraph supplies were duly 

 received, and immediately transported to the mountain. 



From another quarter, however, there came the required pecuniary 

 assistance. In the month of July, the state geologist learned that Mr. 

 S. A. Nelson, of Georgetown, Mass., was very much interested in the 

 meteorology of Mt. Washington, and would like to join the expedition. 

 He soon after received a letter from Mr. Nelson, presenting this request, 

 and asking also for further information. His tone of writing evinced a 

 rare enthusiasm for the undertaking, and from further correspondence it 

 appeared that he was ready to devote himself to raising funds for the 

 expedition, in case he could be one of the party. A formal invitation was 

 soon extended to Mr. Nelson, which he accepted, and immediately set 

 himself to the task of soUciting subscriptions in eastern Massachusetts, 

 pledging himself to procure at least ^500. His promise was more than 

 realized, for his efforts brought in more than ;^8oo. His labors com- 



