The Journal of M and D

[3DEM11 at QUCDN.QueensU.CA]

I haven't been around for a while, so someone might have already
mentioned this: the existence of The Journal of Charles Mason and
Jeremiah Dixon (?).  Just in case it hasn't been mentioned,
I would like to remark that it's very interesting.  It records
all those tangent lines and arcs and links and other mathematical/
astronomical details as they drew the line.  Oh yes, and the hiring
of hands and the weather on each day.  The journal was lost for
a long time and then found in Halifax, Nova Scotia "amidst a pile of waste
paper in a cellar of a Government House."  It was found with Mason's
certificate of election to the American Society of Philadelphia.
I'd imagine this book was a source for Pynchon.  If it was, I don't understand

why he didn't include the following hilarious incident recorded
by the humiliated Mason:
1765 Sunday 24 February.
Met some boys just come out of a Quaker Meeting House as if the De--il
had been with them.  I could by no means get my Horse by them.  I gave the
Horse a light blow on the Head with my whip which brought him to the ground as
if shot dead. I over his Head, my hat one way wig another whip another,
fine sport for the boys.  However I got up as did my Horse after some time and
led him by the Meeting House, (the Friends pouring out) very serene, as if all
had been well.



Poor Mason.

Dana, with apologies if this Book has heretofore been mentioned.