Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-11-22

A POOL IN THE ICE.
miles in extent. The elevations Of all the
mountains of the region explored we're deter.
mined by SIr. Kerr and found 10 be less than
had formerly been supposed The true heigh,
OF Mount st. Elias, instead of being IL, 500 feet
and the most elevated point in North America
as was formerly considered, has been found to
be about 5000 feet. The next peak in in,-
portance is Mount Augusta. over 1900 feet
high. Following this are Mount Cock, Mount
Vancouver. Mount Logan and a host of others
OF equal grandeur. Although the mountains
are not the highest on the continent, they
probably afford the most magnificent scenery,
on account of their ruggedness and the ex.
tremely low elevation OF the summer SHOWS "
MT. ST. ELIAS.
The illustration at the beginning OF the
article shows the highest peak of all, Mt St
Elias, as seen from Dome pass looking north
west. The elevation of the point Of view is
about 1000 feet Tho recent expedition on
approaching the mountain descended the long
snow slope IN the foreground to beyond the
end OF the cliffs on the right, where u great
glacier flows southwark Thence the route led
up this glacier to an important tributary which
JOINS 1t from the northwest and drains the snow
from the northeastern slope of the great pyra-
md forming the summit Of st. Elias
To the right of St. Elias is Mt. Newton, one
OF the many prominent peaks on the crest OF
the main range. The highest point reached
joining st. Elias and Newton aud at an eleva-
ton of 5000 feet.
ST. Elias Is not an ancient volcano, as its form
might suggest and has been reported by sea
captains, who state that they have seen it in
eruption. but is formed of sedimentary rocks
The great pyramid shown in the view here pre-
sented Is really the end of roof-like ridge
IN which the rocks dip northeast. Its form il
typical OF large number of lesser mountains
in the same region
bria Of
valuable results that have been achieved by the
first expedition sent into the field by the
National Geographic Society.
THE CHIEF OF THE EXPEDITION.
Mr.. Russell has been connected with the
geological survey since 1880. During a large
portion OF this time he has been engaged in
exploring the widest and most desolate Dor.
tons OF Utah, Nevada, Oregon and adjacent
regions OF the far west. For three years his
Mono, Cal, and the neighboring High
Sierra, where living glaciers OF great
interest were discovered and mountain
peaks climbed. Several of his explorations in
the west were carried on in the widest por.
tions Of the country before the advent of rail.
ways, and were rich in frontier experience and
adventure. For months of several successive
years his only companions were two faithful
frontiersmen, who accompanied him as packer
and cook
Two years ago MI Russell accompanied the
United States coast survey expedition sent out
10 determine the eastern boundary of Alaska.
On this trip voyage was made to the mouth
OF the Yukon and up that river, in a small
steamer, for l.5O0 miles. After leaving the
steamer month was spent in polling ZIP the
] river IN an open boat in company with miners
| and in crossing the Chilkoot pass, at its hea l.
An account OF the journey was given before the
Geographic Society about year ago and
| elected great interest, especially from those
who know the wild life Of the explorer only al
| freside travellers.
Previous to Mr.. Russell's connection with the
geological survey, as now organized. he was
assistant geologist on the Wheeler survey, and
began his frontier life in New Mexico. Before
Joining the government service as geologist he
was connected as photographer with the United
States transit OF Venus expedition in 1874 and
| IN that capacity made a voyage around thu
| world. At the time Of the transit he was sta.
B toned far inland in South Island New Zealand