CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY LETTER Introduction to astronomical observations Observations and results for latitude of Van Rensselaer Harbor, and the winter-quarters of the expedition Observations and results for longitude of Van Rensselaer Harbor a. From moon culminations and moon culminating stars PAGE V 1 2 10 10 b. From occultations of Saturn's ring and Mars 26, 29 c. From a solar eclipse 30 Observations for latitude of a number of stations on the west and northwest coast of Greenland . 42 43 45 APPENDIX-with a map showing the astronomical positions 47 INTRODUCTORY LETTER. WASHINGTON, March 7, 1860. PROFESSOR JOSEPH HENRY, LL.D., Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution: DEAR SIR: The records of the astronomical observations made under the direction of Dr. Kane, in the second expedition to the Arctic regions, were placed in my hands by his late lamented father, Judge Kane, in December, 1857. Dr. Kane had selected Assistant Charles A. Schott, of the Coast Survey, for the reduction of a considerable portion of the observations made in that expedition; and I, therefore, placed these in Mr. Schott's possession for reduction and discussion. The work has been faithfully performed, and I recommend it for publication in the "Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge." It is proper to state that the instruments were furnished in part by the U. S. Coast Survey, and that the computations have been made at the expense of the Smithsonian Institution. Very respectfully, yours, A. D. BACHE. |
