138 Thirty Years 
three days, and that of the water in the river de- 
creased from 49° to 44°, | 
In the afternoon of September the 6th, we removed 
our tent to the summit of a hill, about three miles 
distant, for the better observing the eclipse, which 
was calculated to occur on the next morning. We 
were prevented, however, from witnessing it by a 
heavy snow-storm, and the only observation we could 
then make was to examine whether the temperature 
of the atmosphere altered during the eclipse, but we 
found that both the mercurial and spirit thermometers 
remained steadily at 308 for a quarter of an hour 
previous to its commencement, during its continuande, 
and for half an hour subsequent to its termination ; 
we remarked the wind increased very much, and the 
snow fell in heavier flakes just after the estimated 
time of its commencement. This boisterous weather 
continued until three P.M., when the wind abated, 
and the snow changed to rain. 
The men continued to work diligently at the house, 
and by the 30th of September had nearly completed 
it for our reception, when a heavy fall of rain washed. 
the greater part of the mud off the roof. This rain 
was remarked by the Indians as unusual, after what 
they had deemed so decided a commencement of winter 
in the early part of the month. The mean temper- 
ature for the month was 33°, but the thermometer had 
