The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-05-10
TUE HIGHEST INHABITED POINT,
Something Abeut the Eafe 81 ihe xIenaI
service Observer az she Top es
Pixies peak.

The United States Signal Service Sta
tion at Pixies Peak is the highest signal
station in the world; ii is also the highest
inhabited portion Of the globe Il was
opened Ia the month Of September, 1873
That it was wise provision Of the gov.
eminent in establishing signal station at
this point is no longer questioned the facts
having already demonstrated its practica-
bility, and the present success promises
that Pixies Peak Signal Station Is yet TO
stand at the head Of all astronomical and
meteorological stations in the world. This
I,poiut is wonderfully favored by nature for
the study Of astronomy and metoerology.
The rarity of the atmosphere brings out
remarkable brilliancy and clearness to the
stars aud all the heavenly bodies. The
nights are almost always cloudless, and
cloudy days are the exception. Nine
tenths Of the storms are below the Peak.
The best and most complete report Of the
last total eclipse Of the sun, received at
Washington, was the report Of Prof. Loud,
of Colorado College, from observations
taken at Pixies Peak.
The signal station is now under the
charge Of Sargeants Choate, Blake and
Sweeny. These officers are detailed from
the army because Of their peculiar adap-
liability and special qualifications for the
accurate execution OF the nice duties Of
taking astronomical and meteorological
observations
The summit Of Pixies Peak contains
! sixty acres. 1t is 1886 feet above the
1 level Of the sea. On the highest point Of
: the summit stands the signal station, a
rough stone building, 24x30, one story in
Z height. II is divided into four rooms
\ officers room, kitchen, store-room and
4 wood room. And here 10 this bleak spot,
: nearly 20 miles from the habitations Of
n man, these men live the larger part Of
4 the year. The station is 3 miles from the
z timber land, where the greater part Of
u vegetation ceases. Short grass, tufted with
y delicate Alpine flowers, struggle for an ex-
" istencc against the frigidity Of the atmos-
a phere and creeps toward the mountain
,e top; but there are hundreds Of acres Of
A cold, gray and reddish rocks. where not a
vs yestige Of verdurc exists.
/. Like the dwellers Of the Arctic regions
= the inhabitants Of Pixies Peak have but
~ two scasons-summer and winter. Two
a months Of summer-August and Septem
n ber--and ten long, cold months Of winter
he The summer season passes quickly The
n. atmosphere is congenial; the many visitor
q. at the Peak enhance its social life viii
or joy, wonderment and mirth. During th,
summer Of 1878 upward Of 900 people, il
parties of from five to thirty, visited thl
Peak, among them many ladies. The,
registered from the four quarters Of tn
en- globe, and they AL expressed admiration
lis and astonishment at the grandeur and sub
nd Unity Of the wonderful views as seen fron
the Peak. To behold sunrise from th
'er Peak is an event Of lifetime, and for thi
purpose visitors often remain over night q
.ty the station, to be ready to catch the fir
he glimpse of the sun as it appears above th
horizon, gliding with its bright rays II
IN mountains, hills, valleys and plains to Il
ok wonder and delight Of the amazed bcholde
rye The duties Of the officers are yariou
ty- Seven observations are taken daily; q
ter storms are closely watched and each sp
as cial and distinctive characteristics duly n
ou corded. Sunrise and sunset demand clio.
'ur attention. Every popularity Of the hea'
enly regions is viewed and recor
made of the same and monthly reports (
these are sent TO headquarters at Wasl
ington. The present year has been uni
IN sually prolific in sundogs, which are sal
lte to prognosticate earthquakes, subterranea
es, explosions, immense freshets, and trout
'm lous times. A government Office at Pike
ny Peak is no sinecurc, for the officer mui
er- buffet all storms and brave all weatherI
no Sergeant Choatc was at the Springs ]
'er December, and on December 2lst he lef
:" for the Peak wearing Norwegian sno'
at shoes twelve feet in length.
The summer months are also occupie
Is in preparing for the long siege Of winter
in During the months Of August and Ser
is, tember upwards Of 5000 pounds of til
It's usual variety Of family stores, and abou
p 20 cords of FIRE wood are all snugly stowe
in away. These are carried to the peak !
nd small quantities on the back Of the Burrt
90 whose head had the appearance Of bein
ID. incased in cloth, and whose ears are neal
ut ly the length of its legs, and sho walks a
IN the pace of snail