New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-09-28


perceive that is and 20 fathoms depth the teu
perature fell 60 When 1t 10 considered that the tenn
perature from to is fathoms depth stood AT foS ran
and fell 80 the fathoms that lie, to 20 iathoms
depth, and thence TO the bottom-4On fathOms-
fell but 10 you form some idea OF how distinctly
the temperature defines the divisional strata between
the cold and currents The depth OF the surface
current as observed In this particular case mentioned,
was about that which 1t averaged throughout.
Unfavorable weather prevented, to great extent
practical observations among the Aleutian Islands An
interesting discovery was made OF an intermediate cola
stratum OF water which comes down from Behring's
Straits as an under-current Between parallels Of lat
itude $40 and $40 where was to the eastward
after reaching long, 1892 E. and between that meridian
and that OF 1862 E., this cold stratum was OF about
400 feet In depth. having its upper SURFACE al
about 100 feet below the water surface On hne
"number two," which abandoned owing
to great depths this cold stratum showed Itself at at
40 ST. NJ long 1859 80 E. south Of which 1t disappears
In lat so NJ long 1922 2V E. which is nearly It's cen
trail part it most plainly marked. For instance, at
"a fatboms depth the temperature stood at 1917 Fah'
from which 1t fell gradually to $50 at 10 fathoms'
and rose again to $3.50 at 100 fathoms 1t also sas
factorly defined at lat 6o 49, N, long 100 10 E Tue
temperature at % fathoms' depth standing at S'''
Fah falling TO 347o at 90 fathoms, ana rising AGAIN W
377o at 100 fathoms. In considering this cola stratum
the thought would naturally suggest Itself, what Is tue
movement OF the water than 1t is whlch Is DC
meath ,itf From actual observation II was determined
to be- as nimated by temperatures similar to tnat Oh
the surface being undoubtedly only portion Oh the
surfaee current first separated In lower latitude by
the opposite stronger and colder stratum wch wouiu
naturally maintain the depth or path winch IL nau
in higher latitude where 1t originated Inc potIom
temperatures are similar those found on the southern
rontes VARYING from 32o to $3.50 Fab The subject OF
thermal stratifcation is now occupying the minds OF
the scientific world These results establish as lac'
the existing theory OF oceanic clrcuiaton' Inc
temperatures distinctly and with wonderful precision
define the divisional strata Of the currents OF move
ments OF the water.
SOME or THE FEATURES OF ALASKA.
1t Is evident that of possessions are as wen
protected by nature as the Aeutian lslands; lot
during the Summer months. which is here called the
delightful season the year. the islands are cohtihu
ally vailed in obseurity by fogs. ana 10 approach 'he'
cautiously feeling the way. there is danger presented
by strong reacherous currents aside from the present
lack of confidence in the satisfactory estaO-
lishment OF their positions. During the winter
months. or from about September TO June, the
winds are extremely violent. After having waited
patently for nearly three for sufficiently clear
day that would permit at even ships length 10 see
land we on the 10TH fortunate IN sighting the
island OF Tanaga In the morning, and at D. NJ anenor
ing safely fathOms OF water in the glory Oh RUSSIA
Bay which Is proposed as an intermediate staton ioi
u
CARRYING five fathoms close to the shore. nasty sur
vav was made here which will be Of use to any one
having sufficient time and patience to await favorable
oppottunty to approach the island and enter the bay
AT an elevation OF 1850 feet nut short distance pacK
from the beach, upon the mountain side, glacier OF
considerable extent which was visited by seVera Oh our
officers The short stay prevented any measurements
of its rate of movement The soil is spongy, OWING
TO continued dampness, and Of course destitute OF
1ahf fadG Inv
There is here Fngal Cave with its basauc columns
which il scientifically interesting. But taking every
thing into consideration should this place be selected as
an intermediate station, the operator whose headquar
tiers this will be is not likely to regard it as paradise
1t will be remembered that in my letter from foko
hama after the completion OF the southern line to that
pont cautiously predicted for it preference, which
prediction now feel justified in declaring fulfilled; for
although the practcability of the northern route Is
beyond dispute The labor uncertainty OF success, and
dangers involved in even the passage or q steamer
over just sounded by us. cause me TO appre
bend no small difficulty in an attempt to lay down
submarine cable. This the initial step then con-
slider the exertons of dredging for broken cable IN
waters either clouded 10 fog or beneath gale, COM
pared with to be experienced on the southern
route. Again, there is the submarine valley of over
1000 fathoms depth just to the southwark OF the Aleu-
ian Islands, through which the cable Will have to pass
In laying the cable here at least six and half or seN en-
miles of it will suspended from the stern OF the YES
sell the weight of which the cable may be Of insufficient
strength to sustain provided at the time the most
favorable weather prevails To sum it all up the most
obvious advantages in favor OF the northern route are
the smaller amount of cable required aud Its being
mostly within our own possessions.
OUNALAsKA, Aug I've arrived here on the 10th OF
July everything most satisfactory to date as far as the
accomplishment of work concerned. We were graf
fled in finding here $50 tons Of coal we had remain
ing only about TO- little rest likewise agreeable
for the work by We will coal and next
week start again. line will be run back to Tanaga
Island outside the southwark of the islands Then
from here where left off last FALL and then TO San
Francisco, when, am happy to say the work will be
completed and hope to be detached and have little
respite shore.