The Hottest Spot on Earth.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 28 July 1891, Page 3

The Hottest Spot on Earth.

. ■ » -..■■■ The hottest spot on, earth is within the boundaries of the United States, according to J. J. McGillivray, of New York, who has passed several months in Death Valley, located in south-eastern California. The highest temperature recorded in the Sahara was 127 deg, Fahrenheit, and from the shores of the Persian Gulf comes; a record of 128deg., but in Death Valley in July a thermometer placed in the shade registered ljßOdeg. This: desolate spot is less known than any other locality in the country. The valley was once a lake of water containing in solution common soda, salt and borax, and now above the marsh there is a crust of common salt from six to twelve inches : thick. The borax deposits on the east side of the valley are said to be the richest in the world, and doubt ess they will find their way befoie long into commerce. These natural conditions; prevent the fall of rain throughout the year, and persons who enter the place have to carry along supplies ot water. It is to gather more complete and definite information concerning this region that the United States I Signal Service have sent James H. Cleary, formerly of the Omaha Station, to spend the summer in the heart of the valley.