MS 
[Assembly 
sic beauty and sublimity of the scene most participated; the lifting up 
of the cloudy envelope from the neighboring summits, one after another, 
in the order of its elevation, presented its outline, dim or well defined, 
according to the distance, until the profile, in every direction but that of 
a single mountain, was complete. From this, a little before noon, the 
mists were dissipated, revealing the summit of Mount Marcy, the lofti- 
est in the group and the highest land in the State, bearing N. 73° W., 
and at an angle of elevation of 1° 36' above us. The variation of the 
needle at the elevated point where we now were, was found to be 9° 
33' — leaving little room to doubt, when taken in connection with the 
last mentioned observation, where the variation was fpund 8° 16' (less 
than where we now were but greater than at Weatherhead's) that we were 
coming within the sphere of some general disturbing influence, lying in 
a region still further west. Whether this is to be sought for in the im- 
mense iron deposits at Newcomb, described in the report, or in some 
cause less remote, remains to be determined by future observations. It 
should be mentioned, that in the gulf beneath the mountain east, where 
we encamped the following night, the variation was found to be only 
7° 8'. Whether the heavy mountain west served in a measure to neu- 
tralize the influence in that direction, or whether f ome local cause east 
of us produced the efiect, it is impossible to say. 
Other observations were made in the course of the tour; but those 
already stated will be sufficient, it is believed, to confirm the remark, 
that the needle in this region is subject to extraordinary influences, which 
cause a deflection from the true magnetic north, even where the needle 
traverses freely. A knowledge of the magnetic intensity, would evi- 
dently be of the greatest importance towards settling any question in re- 
lation to local influence. To ascertain this element, at diflerent points 
on the earth's surface, has, within a few years, occupied the attention of 
some of the most distinguished experimental philosophers in Europe. — 
Extended observations have been made, by Humboldt, in Central and 
South America, and in Siberia, by Prof. Hansteen, under the patronage 
and at the expense of the King of Sweden. The instruments intended 
for the determination of this point, and indeed every other relating to the 
earth's magnetism, should be standard instruments, constructed by the 
first artists. The one employed by us, in the observations already de- 
tailed, was not susceptible of that accuracy which it would be necessary 
to secure, in case an extended and connected series of observations 
should be contemplated. In determining the propriety of instituting 
such a series (in the State) regard would be had, doubtless, mainly 
to practical utility. It is presumed, however, that the general interest 
