The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, July 6, 1902, Page 11

THE SUNDAY CALL. /1 rize stories! writers, too. Do you now them? e Charles Hallowell of the Grammar School and Louis2 the Lincoln Grammar The first gets the ten-dollar prize end the second the five-dollar cne. Out of the five bright boys and giris that The Call sent to Mount Hamilton these are the two that wrote the best accounts of the trip. The others wrote such interesting descriptions, too, that the judges had to think = long time before they could decide. It’s a pity they couldn’t all be best, but somebody had to win. Here’s luck to the young authors! PR First Prize Story by Charles Hallowell. EING one of the party to whom a trip to Mount Hamilton was given through the generosity of The San co Call, I will #ndeavor to to the best of my ablility of our in which I had one of rips of my-life. reached in due time by an nd after a short rest City the twenty-six mile mit of the mountain be- y ended at Smiths was procured and rers which complet- at. The road, ltke t out of the around and down- below, map stretched > form. te! ny terest along from which the Horse n; Turn, the D e "8 d Hairpin named becau; the numero s and bends of t China Camp, ere 1} rst observato r the top his > architecture gs. They owest of the three sum- e Hamilto; serva- oy © two r od a ¢ roof o , and connected with 11, be which is a square 1 ing used for a students’ resi- dence. ~The homes of the professors and the butiding i b the Crossley reflee- talled are situated on thé south ation a short distance south- Mount Hamilton. As we approach the door of the ob- servatory we are anxious to learn who at institution where pro- s and students In astronomy stu in the mysteries of the heavens and we are informed that it was none other than James Lick, and this example of his gen- erosity is just another link in the chain ch made him one of and most beloved In his gift he gave the sum of $700,000, which was to be used for thres distinct purposes, viz.: To purchase land, to con: and put up a telescope larger and more powerful than any heretofore established, and to erect a suitable ob- servatory. At this time James Lick had already selected Mount Hamilton, in San- ta Clara C v, as a suitable location, and he purchased 149 acres there, which, together with a grant of 1350 acres from Congress and a gift of 320 acres from the Legislature of California, made a total acres under the control of the ity regents whom he appointed as stees. As we enter the door we instinctively turn toward of his character whi Californ benefact Teatest s, the halls the pictures and see thems on of some of the the walls most eminent ntists in the world, among them being Sir Isaac Newton, Lord Kelvin Benjamin Gould and Tycho Brahe, but passing on you see and have explained some of the apparatus with which wonders are reveaied every day. The first instruments to be seen are the rain gauge or pluviometer and the seis- mograph earthquake recorder. Both work very much on the same principle, that is by writing on a time sheet with a pen manipulated by a machine, the dif- ference being that the earthquake record- gives the record by being attached to 2 the m vibrating jar of the earth’s surface, while receives its evidence from form of rain, which is duly and registered by this little piece of human handiwork. chronograph, for cor- recting time, the barometer, for showing air pressure, are to be seen, but both are too well known to need expla- nation here. One, however, that is not so often heard of is the anemometer, which sed to show the velocity of the wind all wind wheel on the top of the observatory building, which connects, as in the other machines, with a pen that records every five miles on a time sheet that moves with the clock. But these are small attachyments and not as direct- ly connected with astronomical work as the transit circles, which we now stand before and. which are very important, be- inz used to determine the exact time a star crosses a meridian. They are the or er and hine the earth with Passing on, and a IZC X J‘.lflllllf",,'mm" . U iy, ON THE FPomo SETwWeE Srv g CREER M7 AL T~ finest pieces of apparatus in the buflding and the rooms in which they are kept are made very large, so that the heat of the human body when near the machine will have no effect on its delicate and in- tricate construction. Darkness now threatens to descend and Wwe hurry to see the setting of the sun @s it goes down in a ball of fire beyond the distant mountains and to catch a view such as cannot be seen in any other part of California over such an expanss of country. Surely such a phenomenon of nature is so beautifully portrayed in few parts of the universe, and the trav- eler stands as if held in a spell awed by the mightiness and grandeur of the scen- ery. From this point can be seem eight of California’s counties, namely: San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Ala- meda, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey. On the west Loma Prieta, the highest peak of the Santa Cruz Mountains, over 3900 feet' high, smiles across the valley toward her loft- ler sister, Mount Hamilton, more than 500 feet above her. Looking southward we see from Oh My Point hundreds of feet down into Indian Guich, where it seems es though the sun’s rays would never reach to penetrate the foliage of the pines and. oaks growing upon the sides and bottom of the canyon. On the east- ern side our view is somewhat obstructed by the two higher summits of the moun- tain, but we can see San Francisco Bay on the north. As twilight steals upon us the moon comes out rich and full, assisted by the twinkling, dancing little stars, which as- sure us that our downward mountain trip will not be made in darkness. Far off in the valley San Jose and Los Gatos seem like huge liners In the ocean, because of the myriad lights which shine and sparkle far below us. The observatory is again entered and through the twelve-inch equatorial tele- scope s seen the Gamma Virginis, a dou- ble star. “®hese two planets revelve about each other in about 200 years. All stars. examined through the telescopes were of a purple color, due to the confused state of the atmosphere. In order to measure the distance from one star to another two ¢f the finest threads obtainable, being these of a spider’s web, are stretched across the lens about one and one-fourth inches apart, and a small electrical at- tachment, somewhat resembling the gov- ernor of a steam engine, on the top of the telescope revolves and this action causes the telescope to move westward so as to — Wy b . .ulh.__ My, iy - llmll | A =5 THE ZuClHYy FIVE OFf _FOE BuspmELL T keep a direqt view on the object undei examination. This section of the observatory having received sufficient attention we now pass to the library. This contains over 4800 volumes of books, 4400 pamphlets, current periodicals and the records of observa- tions made by the students. This library 1s used more for reference than study, however. Now comes the excitement of the trip tor we are about to look through the large thirty-six-inch equatorial telescope. As the round tower is enteréd a feeling of reverence comes;over-us, for upon the foundation which supports”the greatest telescope in' the :world are engraved'the words: A - 1 HERE LIES THE BODY OF JAMES LICK. h. . Here he is lald in his last’resting place upon the scene of his greatest: triumph. "This part of the building is‘that section which stands out;from the rest'and which s most noticeable.from a great distance, with its white steel\dome flashing in’the sunlight or the light ofsthe moon throw- ing shadow first on one, place:and then on another as the;huge:roof: revclves sa the telescope may seek:some’ distant star. We pass around and await our turn to go on the'floor, for only a limited number are allowed on at one time. The floor is run up and down, so that a focus might be had on any star in the heavens, whether it be directly overhead or on the horizon. The group observed by our party was the Berenices, a cluster containing thousands of stars not visible to the naked eye, but with the ald of this power- ful glass they are made very plain. We did not get a look at the moon, as it was full, and therefore at a poor advan- tage to see, and the planets were all near the sun, so that thelir lights were not vis- ible against the stronger and more power- ful light of the sun. Other telescopes to be seen at the obser- vatory include the three-foot reflecting telescope, a 6%-inch Bruce comet seeker, a six-inch Crocker photographic telescope, a five-inch Floyd telescope, a four-inch comet seeker and a five-inch horizontal photoheliograph. After seeing the Lick Observatory and all the principal apparatus, some of which we should like to learn more about, al- though in the few hours spent there we had& learned more than we ever did in such a short space of time before, we were obliged to retrace our way home- ward. The journey down the mountains is cer- tainly one of the most delightful parts of the trip, for as we drove down in the moonlight we could distinctly hear merry voices singing, which made the echoes re- sound far below us, and we could see the campfires of the weary bicyclers, some of whom we passed on our upward jour- ney. At Smiths Creek we again stopped, for this is where we were to stop for the night. After a midnight dinner, to which we did Jjustice, we were shown to our rooms, and being very tired after our long trip and hard riding, we at once made tracks for them. I arose some- what earlier than some of the others and after a walk along the river I tried trout fishing, but with poor success, but I was very successful in doing away with a most enjoyable breakfast which was awalting us at the hotel. After break- fast we took the stage for San Jose, ar- riving there after a very refreshing and B long ride. From the Garden City we took the first train going to San Francisco, ar- riving there a ifttle tired but in excellent spirits, but stiii regretting that our trip Wwas at an end. —_— Second Prize Story by Louise Rogers, NTICIPATION and expectatiof For what? Why, our trip to Mount Hamilton, and it was worth anticipating. Saturday morning, May 24, ac- : cording to appointment, all met at the depot, Third and Townsend streets, and at 8 o’clock had commenced our jour- rey. The train as it rapidly sped onward passed many pleasant scenes, such as cows quietly grazing in green pastures un- disturbed and apparently unheeding the noise and rattle of the passing train, large fields of hay being mowed, giving forth its pleasing odor, and many little cottages and beautiful residences hidden almost from view by many trees and clusters of climbing roses and other flowers. Passing through many towns, we at last arrived at the Garden City about 9:30 a. m., and after remaining at the Hotel Vendome about two hours, resumed our journey. ‘When first starting upon the road it was straight and level, but after proceeding for some time it became elevated and winding until at last it became a winding road around the hills. After beginning upon this road we espied the white dome of the famous Lick Observatory on the summit of Mount amilton. How beau- tiful to look down upon the valleys below, which looked very much like large check- er boards, so evenly and uniform were the areas laid out and In their different THARLES oLlowELL 7715510 G rRAMIMAE Busmneee Friove shades of green, and above the hills, dotted here and there with orchards, looked equally as beautiful. On this wind- ing road are many bends and turns, each having its corresponding name, some of which were Cape Horn, on account of its resemblance to Cape Horn of South Amer- ica; Halrpin Turn, a small bend having the shape of a hairpin; Double S, taking its name from its resemblance to two S's. Having passed thesc and ridden for about three hours; we arrived Smiths Creek, a stopping place for visitors to Mount Hamilton, and about sewen miles from the same, and ate lunch, after which we re- sumed our ride, passing other places of. interest, such as Rocky Point, a large \X —— THE So v TELESCOZE ke OBSSERVATOR Yy s pere rocky prominence; China Camp, just a vacant lot off the road, but important be- cause it was the place where the first bricks of the Lick Observatory were made, and another point, about fifteen minutes’ drive before reaching the moun- tain, is called “Oh, My!" because (so the story goes) elderly people upon reaching here and looking down into the deep gulch- below exclaim, *“Oh, my!” We then reached the observatory about 5:30 p. m. This observatory, as we know, bears the name of its founder, the famous phil- anthropist, James Lick, who contributed so much money for its construction and who gave the large- telescope which ranks next in size only to one in Chicago. The observatory consists of two separ- ate buildings, the lower parts of which are bullt of brick and the domes (there being three) are made of sheetiron, paint- ed white. These domes, when the sun shines on them, from a distance have the appearance of glass. The main building is a large one, and situated behind it is a much smaller one called the “transit room’; it being given this name because in it are placed two comparatively small telescopes, one called the “transit me- ridian,” or more commonly a fleld tele- scope, and the other the “meridian circle transit”; one reason because it is parallel to the meridian, another because the stars are seen just as they make their transit across the meridian. If a person kas missed seeing the star cross he will be unable to get another opportunity of seeing it make its transit until twenty- four hours have elapsed. Attached to these telescopes are small wires, on the end of which is a small instrument used for recording the exact time when the star crosses the meridian. The instru- ment, in order to record the time, is pressed by the thumb or fingers. So deli- cate is the mechanism of the telescopes that, we were told by one of the profes- sors, even the heat of the body affects them if it is not uniform, and in watch- ing for a star to pass, no matter how long the time may be, the watcher can- nét rémain for a while and then go away, beécause the heat then would not be uniform and the level would be changed. Going into the main -Pullding, we were shown the large telescopé, and the professor showed how it was 'moved from one direction to another. The dome of the observatory is movable, .being built on large wheels, which cai it to turn around. In the dome is large opening, or shutter, which is opes all the time, except in. fogsy weathfs, and which, when the dome is movedy(done by turning a crank), is turned to thé desired place and the telescope adjusted to suit the same. Another feature of importance is the movable floor; that is, it can be lowered or raised as desired (done by water power). On this floor normore than fifteen persons are allowed at one time, as it is thought best not to have too much weight, as it might prove danger- ous. This floor is of great importance, because if, for instance, a star is in_a position higher or lower, as the case may be, than the point of the telescope, and the floor was stationary, it would be im- possible to be seen; but as it is, it makes no difference in what position it les. The axis of the telescope is parallel to that of the earth, and in consequence of this and a little instrument upon the higher part of the telescope thé tele- scope follows continually the direction of the star and also travels at the same rate. Also upon the-elevated part of tha telescope is a circular instrument which records the degrees. It not being dark enough just then. to view the stars, we proceeded to the. hall where hung many photographs, among which were several of the moon in its different phases, many of large comets, one of the great comet of 1381, one large ene of Saturn, others of Jupiter, many showing the total eclipse of the sun, some of the moon showing the result of'different exposures, one of the milky way and several of large clus- ters of stars and others having sciéntific names of which I know nothing. ' After viewing these “we“were: shown several instruments, the first being the chronograph used for writing and record- ing the time. It is a largg.roljof paper written upon by a small pen Wgen the machine is in operation. “Ariéthes'is the chronometer, or as its name sisNilés, a time measurer, which méasur the divislons of time. At the-opposits'edd of the hall were three other, instrspdents, viz: a wind gauge, an instrumeWt for measuring the motion and velocity of the wind; a rain gauge, used for measuring the amount of rain that falls. This like the others has an electrical connection; on it is a little square cup or basin in which the rain falls, and when full over- flows, falling into another basin beiow of smaller size, and keeps yepeatedly going in and out of these, constantly remeasur- ing itself. Just at the back of the basin is a plece of white paper having vertical lines on it and in a little fixture near the paper is a small pen filled th ink, which marks down the amount that has fallen, so of course there are no mistakes, and it is from such instruments as this that we find out the amount of rain that falls . at different times. The other is a barometer, used for measuring the pres- sure of the air, and is constructed much the same as the rain gauge, with a tiny ren which makes such marks on the paper as are understood by the profes- scrs. After examining and letrn: about these we next g mueh went into a room where is placed an earthquake recorder, or in a more scientific name, the selsmo- graph. This is in a large case made mostly of glass. One of the parts of the recorder is a large black dlal about thirty-six inches in circumference; on the dial is a plece of paper; on the paper ara the points of three pencils; then, about two or three inches from the dial Is a vertical support from which Is suspend- ed by a wire spring a heavy weight, to which the pencils are attached. When an earthquake is feit the dial revolves and the weight on the support causes these littlg pencils to make marks upon the paper.according to the breaking or shaking of the earth, certaln lines mean- ing a north or south falling of the earth and others an east or west. In naming the parts-1 omitted saying anything about how the time is known, but will do 50 now. Another piece of paper is near the dial on which one of the pencils makes very short straight lines, which are counted, ninety being used for a minute, so we can from this determine the duration of an earthquake. It is from this and other machines of the same kind that we get the diagrams or {llustrations of the movement or motion of earthquakes in our papers and maga- zines, etc. Another thing was the large clock, measuring about six or seven feet in height; on the dial are separate places for hours, minutes and seconds, all moving by the one motion or swing of the pendulum. 1t by this timebeing7:30p. m. and every- thing of importance downstairs being seen we went upstairs where the small equato. rial telescope was and there viewed the star called Gamma Virginis. This star at one time was thought to have been single, but through more thorough investigation it has been found to be double. In looking at it, it seemed very brilliant, of a yel- low, blue and red tint. It seemed as though it twinkled, but we were told by the professor that this was caused by the currents of air passing in front of it From here we went to look through the large equatorial telescope and viewed through this the large cluster of stars called Berenices. This Is very beautiful, being' composed of thousands of stars which can be seen very distinctly, We then saw the resting-place of the body of James Lick, which is situated in the lower section of the large cylindrical part of the observatory, and is made of brick and iron castings, being about fifteen feet by ten feet,-and is sustained by the pler of the great equatorial telescope. In fromt of the vault is a large black Iron plate with these words on, “Here lles the body of James Lick.” Having seen this our en- tire circuit of the observatory ended, and we at once started toward home, bidding Mount Hamilton a fond adieu. A very pretty sight that we saw just as we left was the lights of San Jose and Los Gatos, which looked very brilllant and sparkled like so many stars. How fresh and invigorating the alr and how delightful the drive, made doubly so by the silver light of the moon, now fall- ing behind the hills, now above, and sc on until our arrival at Hotel Ysabel (Smiths Creek), where we spent the night. Sun- day morning broke with abundant sun- shine and freshness and at 11:30 o’clock we ‘were on our way home, reaching San Jose at 1:30 p. m., leaving for this city at 2:40 p. m., passi through the same pleasant scenes of thé previous day, reaching San Francisco about 4:15 p. m., feeling that the pleasant time in which we ed and the kindness and courtesy of The Call would never be forgotten.