The Placer herald., 1869-09-04
observations of the Eclipse in Alaska.
Seward Present.

A correspondent Of the Alta sends the
following interesting account of the obser-
valions Of the eclipss in Alaska, by Professor
Davidson, the presence OF Seward on the
occasion, and other incidents in connection
with the affair:
The eclipse expedition of The United States
Coast Survey left Sitka July 18th, in an open
boat for Chilkaht RIVER. On account Of the
heavy weather it was eleven days in reaching
a proper position on the river, in latitude
50 degrees 23 minutes, longitude 1876 degfees
and SO minutes, only twenty miles from the
central path Of totslity. 1t was imprac tca>
bic to carry instruments and provision over
the Iron Mountain Range. The determination
OF the latitude, longitude and magnetic varia-
ton was made before the date Of the eclipse.
The 7,h day Of August was the most cloudsd
day experienced in the valley, but breaks III
the clouds enabled the different phases to be
watched, and tho beginning Of totality was
accurately noted. Instantly after obscuralion.
the rose colored flames were visible TO the
unassisled eye, and their extent, position and
elevation approximately measured. They
were on the southeast and southwest parts
of the suns limb. The corona was visible
over part Of the limb only, the whole pic
ture was magnificent. Tho end OF the eclipse
was not seen. The phenomena of the coming
darkness and the growing light we're very
marked along the course of the valley.
Governor Seward visited the mouth OF the
Chilkaht iu The Active, and with General
Davis, Captain Dali, Judge Hastings and
others, assembled in canoes 10 Davldson's
Camp. During the trip they watched the
phases of the eclipse. and saw all the phomsna
of the rose colored flames and the corona
The party on the Active, lying at anchor
under high mounts bad the best view OF
totally; tho clouds broke, and large clear
space enabled them to see the flames and
Corona, and also the plane! Mercury and
stars to the fourth magnitude.
At Sitka the eclipse was not quite total,
but was watched through broken clouds. AT
Fort Wrapgle the weather was dense'y
cloudy. At Fort Topgass the weather was
favorable and the officers observed the time
OF beginning and ending.
Professor Davidson, in addition to the
special eclipse observations, has determined
the geographical position of numerous points
on the line of exploration. lie found the
Chilkaht valley to possess soil, climate and
productions far more favorable than those OF
the Alexander Archipelago. lie discovered
mountain range Of iron ore extending from
the mouth OF the Chikabt far beyond its
astronomical station. This range has an
elsv alton Of over 1000 feet, and causes a
local deviation of the compass OF ten
degrees.
Governor Seward invited Professor David
son and bis party to return with him on the
Active to San Francisco. The Governor has
visited numerous places Of interest, and hao
good weather for his Investigations. He
delivered an eloquent address to the citizens
OF Alaska.
Ga the steamer Active Professor Davidson q
slipped down an open hatch and was badly
stunned.
TREEs.-Tbe planting Of treesis encour-
sged in Iowa by law, which it is stated,
provides that the planter Of forest trees is.
for svesy acre, released from taxation for ten
years on sloo "aua,ior, and for each acre
Of fruit trees planted, from taxation on $50
valuation for five years; tD--sme provisions
a. to fruit trees are applied to la, .,autiup
of shade trees and hedges along the bis
vav.. Il is asserted that there are now
maple forests 10 several counties, and sugar
made. where, fifteen years since, was nothing
but prairie grass aud hazel shrubs.
IT is proposed to form an inland State ou'
of Eastern Dragon, Idaho and par! OF Wash
iugtou Territory, and a ssaboard State ou
Of tb. res. Of Oregon and Washington Ter
ritory.