204 
GEOLOGY OF THE SECOND DISTRICT. 
The singular elevation of Mount Marcy distinguishes it from the other objects of calculation 
in the above table, and entitles it to particular consideration; more especially so, as some 
discrepancy exists between the measurements that have hitherto been made. 
Passing over every other personal circumstance connected with my ascent, I cannot but 
remark, that through the characteristic liberality of the Hon. A. McIntyre, and the atten¬ 
tions of his agent, Mr. Porteus, I was supplied with every thing needful to my comfort as a 
guest, and the object of my visit materially promoted. 
The following table embraces all the observations that were made during my stay on the 
summit. The reductions of the mercurial columns were made from a table executed by Prof. 
G. W. Benedict, with great care and precision, which has regard to the effect of temperature 
upon the brass scale, as well as upon the column of mercury. 
Times 
OF OBSERVATION. 
Att. Ther. 
Det. Ther. 
Cor. Columns. 
1 
Aug. 14. 
6 h 
7 / 
a 
m_ 
6 
6 
6 
6 
633.67 
2 
do 
6 h 
30' 
a 
m... 
7 
0 
6 
6 
633.57 
3 
do 
7h 
0 ' 
a 
m.., 
7 
5 
7 
0 
633.72 
4 
do 
7h 
30' 
a 
m_ 
8 
0 
7 
5 
633.71 
5 
do 
8 h 
0 ' 
a 
m_ 
8 
0 
7 
8 
633.76 
6 
do 
8 h 
30' 
a 
m_ 
8 
5 
8 
3 
633.90 
7 
do 
9h 
0 ' 
a 
m... 
... 
.. 
9 
2 
634.15 
8 
do 
9h 
30' 
a 
m_ 
9 
8 
9 
5 
634.05 
9 
do 
lOh 
0 ' 
a 
m_ 
9 
9 
9 
5 
634.04 
10 
do 
lOh 
30' 
a 
m_ 
9 
8 
9 
5 
633.80 
The wind, during the whole period, was strong and uniform from the north. Until about 
eight o’clock, the summit was swept by a cloud of rain and vapor. This gradually disap¬ 
peared, producing rapid alternations of storm and sunshine. About ten o’clock, the sky 
became almost entirely clear. 
It appears from the above notes, that the whole range of the column, embracing the slight 
but unavoidable errors of observation, is less than six-tenths of a millimetre, or less than three 
thousandths of an inch. The uniformity of the force and direction of the wind, is a circum¬ 
stance favorable to correct results not always found on mountain peaks, which are liable to be 
swept by variable and conflicting currents. 
From some misunderstanding in regard to time, and from not attaining the summit as early 
as I anticipated, only three sets of observations synchronized sufficient!)’- to be employed. 
The remainder, however, answered the important purpose of verifying those that were 
taken. 
