50 Years Ago

With the increasing use of irrigation in horticulture and agriculture and the developing interest in the effects of evapotranspiration, it is frequently necessary to locate the level of a shallow water-table. This can be done inexpensively and effectively, using a small-diameter observation well and an electric probe ... Twelve observation wells and a probe ... have been satisfactorily used by me, in soils ranging from fine clay to coarse gravel, for a period of eighteen months, in connexion with investigations of the water-table in the Thames flood-plain. It is almost certain, however, that, if necessary, these instruments would give trouble-free service for a much longer period.

From Nature 16 June 1962

100 Years Ago

A Reuter message from New York reports that a steamer arrived at Seward (Alaska) on Sunday covered with volcanic dust from an eruption at Katmai, in the Aleutian Islands. It is stated by those on board that a steady stream of volcanic fragments and ash followed a terrific explosion, spreading over the countryside. The sun was obscured. Although the vessel was seventy miles distant, at four o'clock on Thursday afternoon complete darkness set in and ash fell in a thick layer on the decks. It is estimated that volcanic ash covers three hundred square miles of fertile country. According to a telegram from Seattle (Washington State) the volcanic disturbance is rendering wireless telegraphic communication with Kadiak, Rospberry, and Afognac, three of the most important islands of south-western Alaska, impossible.

From Nature 13 June 1912