INTRODUCTION. 
65 
seen that some of these determinations are quite different from the values 
of the co-ordinates usually assigned to these in our State maps. It is 
noticeable especially that all positions west of the Blue Tiidge are placed 
too far west on the common maps, even those which are adopted and re- 
published for their own use by the Departments of the General Govern- 
ment. Thus, for example, Asheville is too far west by about four miles. 
Waynesville by more than 2, Webster by more than 8, and Dncktown, 
(some 3 miles beyond the line), by 15 or 16. The last named is the most 
important. Observations were twice attempted at the State line, but the 
weather proving unfavorable, both attempts were failures. But a good 
series was obtained at Dncktown, and the result may be received as a 
pretty good approximation to the truth. And if so, the length of the 
State must be reduced from the common estimate by 15 miles or more; 
that is, this dimension will shrink to 470 miles. This result is confirmed 
by the fact that the longitude of Bristol, Tennessee, which lies northeast 
of this region, j s misplaced on the same maps by more than 10 miles, as 
ascertained by the Coast Survey observations at that point, on the occa- 
sion already alluded to. This reduction will bring our western boundary 
(by a second contraction , but much more legitimate than the former), 
very nearly to the longitude of Cumberland Gap, beyond which the ex- 
isting maps give it a wide projection. A consequence of this shrinkage 
will be a considerable loss of territory also, probably sufficient to reduce 
the total to a round 50,000 square miles; if the calculation be correct in 
other respects ; which is improbable, however, since it was no doubt 
made without reference to the obscure and uncertain history and actual 
position of our boundary lines. 
The determinations are the following, viz: 
Latitude. 
Longitude. 
Charlotte, 
Corner stone of State line, about 30 miles 
35° 15' 49" 
IQ 
C7> 
i O 
O 
CO 
south of Charlotte, 
34° 50' 29" 
80° 47'. 1 
Lincolnton, 
35° 32' 21" 
81° 17'.8 
Corner stone in Polk county. 
Corner stone in Polk county, as determined 
35° 14' 9" 
82° 10'. 7 
by Dr. Caldwell, 
35° 15' 11" 
Corner stone at confluence 
of South Fork of 
Catawba, (Dr. C.), 
35° 9' 23" 
Asheville, 
35° 35' 55" 
S2° 
28'.5 
Waynesville, 
35° 29' IS" 
82° 
50CO 
W ebster, 
35° 21' 43" 
S3° 
4'.1 
Dncktown, 
35° 2' 50" 
O 
CO 
6'.0 
