METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL, A /2/21/12 C. LEES ON PRINCE, F. R. A. S., THE SUMMARY OF A KEPT BY - º - - - & *- # @g º : º Sºº ſ Eº - ºl S. #º Hº º: Hº: C ER, O VV B O ER, O U G. H., A T HIS OESEERVATORY, F. R. M. ET. S., S U S S THE X. - 1888. Jan. | Feb. Mar. April. May. || June. July, Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year. Barometer, mean 9 a.m., sea level.................. 30.261|29.954; 29-630, 29.897|30.077|29.943. 29.792. 30.028 solº 3000 29-827|30.083|29.978 ; := ſ Absolute maximum ........................ 58°4 || 529-0 || 549.8 | 689.8 769.4 879-0 || 76°-0 | 839.0 | 819-0 | 68°-6 || 59°4 52°-6 || 879-0 É ; 33 minimum ........................... 18-3 | 1.5-2 | 19.2 24-0 || 31.2 40-3 || 36.2 42.2 || 39.5 25.5 27-7 || 24'4 || 15-2 º: Mean maximum .............................. 42.8 || 39.5 44-6 || 53.9 64.8 69.3 | 68-7 || 70.7 | 68.2 57-3 || 51.2 45.2 56.3 c - § 3 minimum .............................. 30.5 27.5 29.8 || 33-3 || 40-0 || 47-1 || 49.2 | 49.3 47.9 37:5 40°4 || 34.9 || 38.9 É Q , temperature ........................... 36-6 || 33-5 || 37-2 || 43.6 52.4 58.2 58.9 60-0 || 58.0 47.4 45.8 40-0 || 47.6 #: daily range ........................... 12-3 | 12-0 || 14-8 20.6 24.8 22.2 | 19.5 21.4 20-3 || 19.8 || 10:8 || 10-3 || 17.4 # Solar radiation (in Vacuo), maximum... 63.2 59-0 || 65-0 || 81.2 87.8 97.0 | 89.1 92.8 91.1 | 73-6 || 69-0 || 59.0 | 97.0 § à \ 23 35 25 Illéall . . . . . . . . . 46'5 || 46-1 || 51-3 || 64. 1 || 76.4 79-6 || 78.8 80.4 || 76.5 64.9 52-6 || 49-3 || 63-8 Terrestrial radiation—minimum .................. 16’2 || 11-5 - 15-8 22.4 27-3 || 37-2 || 35-0 || 39.8 || 37.6 25.5 26-4 22.1 11-5 25 mean minimum ......... 28°4 26-5 29-0 || 32-1 || 37.4 45-4 || 48.2 47.4 45-2 || 33-9 38.4 31-0 || 36.9 Mean amount of cloud, 9 a.m...................... 7:0 9:0 8-5 8-3 6'5 8-1 9-5 7.1 5.8 5'4 9.1 6-1 7-5 2 ſ Absolute maximum.......................... . 58’4 || 47.5 50.4 61-0 || 70-8 80-0 | 68.8 || 78-0 || 74.9 || 64.2 55-0 || 51.0 |80°.() # - , minimum .........................., 21-0 | 18.2 21.8 26.2 33.4 41.9 || 37-0 || 43.8 || 41.2 28.0 28-0 || 25's 18.2 #3 Mean maximum ...................... • * - - - - - - 41-2 || 36.4 || 41-0 || 48-7 || 59.4 63-6 || 62.9 || 64-0 || 62.9 53-1 || 48-3 || 44-0 || 52.2 *i- minimum ....... ......................... 32:1 || 29-2 || 31-0 || 34-7 || 41-6 || 48-3 || 49.9 || 50.4 || 49-2 || 39.5 41.2 36 ºf low # , temperature ......... ----------------- 36-6 || 32-8 || 36-0 || 41.7 50-5 55.9 56-4 57.6 || 56-0 || 46.3 44-7 || 40.1 46-2 É § { , daily range ........................... 9:1 7.2 || 10-0 || 14-0 || 17-8 15-3 || 13-0 || 14-5 13-7 || 13-6 7.I 7-8 || 12-0 #: Temperature, 9 a.m. ........................ 370 33.4 36.5 43.1 53.4 58.2 57.0 59.2 57.4 47.7 45.7 | 40.4 47.4 # 2: of dew point, 9 a.m. ... 34:6 || 30-1 || 32.8 || 36.8 43.6 || 51.2 52.1 52.5 || 51.5 42.9 43.8 38-7 || 42.6 * Elastic force of vapour, 9 a.m. ......... :200 || - 168 187 .218 .284 || 376 -389 || 396 || 381 276 286 .235 | .283 É U Relative humidity, 9 a.m. ............... 90 88 86 78 69 77 83 78 80 83 93 93 83 ſ N.................................................... 4 2 3 () 3 2 6 2 2 7 I 2 34 E N.E. ........................ ................... 7 17 9 13 8 9 1 7 14 3 2 5 95 : E................................. .................. 2 0 I I I 2 2 I 2 4 5 2 23 i É S.E................................................. 3 () I I 4 () 2 () 0 3 5 5 24 #. s.................................................... 1 || 1 || 3 || 1 || 3 || 7 || 2 || 5 || 2 || 1 || 3 || 11 40 # S.W. ............................................. 2 7 8 8 3 || 11 || 10 5 5 5 2 71 à w, ................................................ 4 || 4 || 5 || 5 || 4 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 6 || 9 || 4 || 61 U. N.W. .............................. .............. 5 3 2 I 2 2 1 0 2 () 0 18 ſ Crowborough ................................. 1:14 || 1:87 || 4:58 | 1.84 1-66 || 4-31 || 6-76 || 3:11 1-20 2.49 5:35 | 2.93 ||37-24 a. Eridge Castle ........................... 0.95 || 1:33 || 4-96 | 1.86 || 1:36 || 3:10 || 5:01 || 3:66 || 0-83 || 1:45 5-07 || 2:87 32:45 b. Mayfield Vicarage ............... ..... 1-04 || 1:79 || 4-04 || 1.65 | 1.42 || 3-17 | 5-30 || 2:19 || 1:49 2.89 || 4-78 2.48 || 32-24 c. Forest Lodge, Maresfield ............ 1-06 || 1:48 || 4-14 || 1:58 | 1.36 || 4:02 || 6.44 || 2:28 || 1:02 || 2:34 || 4-52 || 2:40 || 32-64 # d. Waldron, Heatherden House......... 1:24 | 1.89 || 4:93 || 1:50 | 1.44 || 3:67 || 5-07 | 1.90 || 1:25 | 2.66 || 5:41 || 2: 16 || 33-12 H e, Uckfield .................................... 1-04 || 1:44 || 3:59 || 1:27 | 1.61 || 3:26 || 4:19 || 3:49 || 0-84 || 2:51 || 4-73 || 2-13 || 30-10 == i. Waldº Bºyekden ſº== Hi-H20+++*H++++60 HºH 5.66 -2.15- tº H20+ ###| 2:32-34-10 | # warbleton ................................ 1.1s 1.97 || 4:30 | 1.49 | 1.49 3.47 5.99 || 1.45 | 1.09 2.64 || 4:56 || 2:00 |30.72 p: h. Fletching ................................. 1:05 | 1.73 || 3:67 || 1:49 || 1:50 || 4-20 || 4-65 || 2:26 || 0:95 || 2:10 || 4:37 || 2:21 || 30-18 i. Newick .................................... ()'93 || 1:56 || 4:03 || 1:36 | 1.89 || 3.95 || 4-86 || 2:76 || 0-97 || 2:28 5:44 || 2:38 || 32.4] j. The Coneyboroughs House ........, 1:11 || 1:64 || 5.22 || 1:43 | 1.91 5-60 5-35 | 3:42 || 1:08 || 2.67 || 6’43 2.86 || 38-72 k. Lewes ....................................... 1:11 | 1.70 || 4-05 || 1:31 | 1.44 || 3:47 4.84 | 1.67 || 0-89 || 2:90 || 4-21 || 2:05 || 29-64 The Observatory is situated 825 feet above the level of the sea, in Latitude 51° 3' 14° North, and in Longitude 0° 9' 30" East. a. From the Register kept by Mr. RUST, Eridge Castle Gardens. b. , ** -> The Rev. H. T. M. KIRBy." - - Capt. W.M. NOBLE, F.R.A.S. - C. S. g. From the Register kept by The Rev. R. G. PENNY. Dr. TREUTLER, F.R.Met.S. T. ST. LEGER BLAAUW, Esq. h. , i. -> ./. , h. º d. , -> 13 J. G. BOUCHER Esq. Miss LAgra Day. º f. , » º Dr. GRAHAM. Lord MONK-BPETTON. J. G. BRADEN, Esq. GENERAL REMARKS. JANUARY.-The year commenced with a continuance of the severe frost which had prevailed during the latter part of December, but a considerable rise in temperature occurred during the night of the first, with a change of wind from E. to S.E. ; and several succeeding days were mild and showery. The weather continued mild to the 12th, when cold weather returned and continued, for the most part, to the end of the month. The high temperature on the 10th and I Ith was very remarkable and exceeded any instance which I had previously recorded for January. On the former day the highest temperature in the shade was 58°4, and on the latter 57°2. The sky was absolutely cloudless on these two days, the atmosphere perfectly calm, while the sun's rays felt so warm, for the time of year, that for the sake of testing them I placed my black-bulb thermometer (in vacuo) by the side of my usual instruments, and found that it registered a temperature of 89°6 At mid-day some hundreds of bees left a neighbour's hive and settled on an adjoining cottage, for some time, before they discovered that they had made a premature exit from their home. At this time nearly the whole county was enveloped in dense fog, the upper surface of which presented a remarkable appearance from The Observatory. Before Sunrise on the I oth and after sunset on the 11th, some beautifully coloured tints were visible in the aqueous vapour lying above the distant horizon. In the clear atmosphere of these mornings the planet Venus, although so many weeks past the theoretical period of greatest brilliancy, shone with such intensity as to cast a shadow. On the 12th the fog came up the hill and caused such a decrease in temperature that the highest temperature for the day was 20° lower than that on the 11th. During the night of the 25th a continuous gale occurred from the S.W.; the mean temperature of the month was rather below the average, and after the 4th the readings of the barometer were high, the maximum, 30.714 inches, was recorded on the morning of the 10th. The rainfall was considerably below the average, so that the deeper springs were lower than is usual, or desirable, at this season. The Eclipse of the Moon on the 28th was invisible here during the period of totality. FEBRUARY. —The frost which prevailed during the latter part of January continued during the first three days of this month, after which the weather was comparatively mild for the time of year until the 15th, when the wind backed to the N.E. and the frost returned, and continued, for the most part, to the close of the month. On several occasions this cold wind blew with almost the force of a gale, particularly during the nights and early mornings, so that the temperature felt much colder than the thermometer indicated ; the greatest cold was recorded on the mornings of the 2nd, 2 oth and 25th, viz., 21°o, 22°3 and 18°2 respectively. Although the mean temperature in the shade was nearly five degrees below the average, yet it was still lower in the years 1873 and 1886, while its intensity was trifling as compared with the corresponding month in the year 1855. The amount of precipitation was 1:87 inches and consisted chiefly of snow, which fell more or less on nine days and remained on the ground during the last fortnight. In some exposed places it had drifted to the depth of three feet or more. The sky was much covered by cloud, which frequently assumed a dull and leaden appearance. MARCH.-The mean temperature of this month was rather more than four degrees below the average, while its general character was cold, wintry and unusually sunless, with an excess of N.E. wind. Notwithstanding these conditions, it was the wettest March since the year 1864; both the total rainfall and the number of days on which it fell were nearly double the average. The amount of rainfall at Uckfield for the first three months of the current year was 6'07 inches, the average of the last 45 years for the same period being 6-66 inches, so that notwithstanding this large rainfall in March, more than half-an-inch of rain was still due thus far in the year. Snow fell, more or less, on six consecutive days, which is a very unusual circumstance in a spring month ; the mean reading of the barometer had not been so low in March since the year 1876. The lowest reading at 9 a.m. was on the 28th, 28:827 inches. The average night temperature was one degree below the freezing point, as shewn by a thermometer protected from radiation, while frost occurred to a greater or lesser extent on twenty occasions; the lowest temperature was observed on the first, viz., 21°8. A heavy gale passed over on the morning of the I I th and stormy weather prevailed on the 17th, 18th and 24th. Snow fell much more heavily in various parts of the kingdom, much impeding railway traffic and causing a great loss of cattle in the Scottish Highlands. An unusual darkness prevailed here during the afternoon of the 31st. APRIL.-It may be safely affirmed that this was the coldest April which had been experienced in the South of England during the last half-century. Its mean temperature was five degrees below the average of 45 years. The weather was bitterly cold during the first ten days, with an almost constant prevalence of N.E. wind, frequent slight falls of snow and nightly frosts, together with a remarkable deficiency of Sunshine. The lowest temperature, 26°2 was recorded on the morning of the 6th. The daily highest temperature was very low for the time of year and only reached 60° and upwards on three occasions, viz., on 16th, 28th and 30th. Rainy weather prevailed from 15th to 23rd; nevertheless the total rainfall for the month was more than half-an-inch below the average. The 15th was a comparatively warm day. A solar halo, slightly prismatic, was visible for a time about I I a.m.; and I saw, for the first time this season, three butterflies on the wing, viz., G. Rhamni, V. Urticae, and V. Io ; this latter being a remarkably fine specimen. The 24th had been fine and pleasant during the morning, but during the afternoon a cold N.E. wind set in with such a great decrease of temperature, that the highest temperature recorded for the 25th was only 44°7. The last frost of the season occurred on the morning of the 27th. The cuckoo was not heard in this immediate district before the 28th. MAY.—The mean temperature of this month was somewhat below the average, but the departure therefrom was much less than in the two previous months. The readings of the barometer were high with no great fluctuation. The rainfall was again below the average of many years and fell only on eight days. The wind was much more equally distributed than for some time past; the Polar and Equatorial currents having been equal. There was a decided increase in temperature on the 8th, so that so late as 8 p.m. it remained for some time at 60° The morning of the 19th was hot and almost sultry, and between 3 and 4 p.m. thunder was heard to the S.E. About 7 p.m. a thick fog came up from the sea with a great decrease of temperature; for at 3 p.m. the thermometer stood at 68°, but at 7 p.m. only 46°; showing a decrease of 22° in four hours | Thunder storms were prevalent in this district on the 21st during the afternoon and evening. The remainder of the month was fine, for the most part, and a shower fell during the night of the 29th. Sawerthal's comet was very well seen here on the night of the 12th, with its small bright nucleus and narrow tail. JUNE.—This month was cold and wet for the first month of summer. The 25th was the hottest day, when the temperature in the shade rose to 89, for the only time during the entire summer. The mean temperature was nearly two degrees and a half below, while the rainfall, which occurred on fifteen days, was considerably above the On the 2nd and 3rd there was a remarkable display of the Cirrus cloud over the South of England. Just aVerage. Verdºg he latter day, a thick fog advancing from the sea was beautifully illuminated, of a dark pink colour, before Sunset, On t that during a whole year, i.e., from September 1st, 1887, to August 31st, 1888, the mean temperature of every month- by the rays of the setting sun. The weather on the 8th was very showery, which, in former days, would have been considered an augury of a wet harvest according to the old distich, “If on the eight of June it rain, It foretells a wet harvest men sain.” A heavier rain occurred on the 9th, which was most acceptable to the growing crops. On the 12th there was another great display of the Cirrus cloud, as well as on the 13th. The 16th was a very cold, damp day, and in many - instances fires were considered requisite. The 21st was densely overcast and the air saturated with moisture, presenting a remarkable contrast to the Jubilee Day of 1887. A very heavy shower fell during the afternoon of the 28th, when nearly half-an-inch of rain fell in about fifteen minutes. At the close of the month vegetation generally was in a very backward and sad condition from the previous wet and sunless weather. On the night of the I oth I took another observation of Sawerthal's comet, and found its brightness very much diminished since May 12th ; its tail, too, instead of being long and narrow, was shorter and become somewhat fan-shaped. JULY.—With the exception of the very cold month of July, 1879, the mean temperature of this month was lower than I have recorded for any July since the year 1841. If, however, I refer to the mean daily maximum temperature for July, 1888, I find that it was even lower than that in July, 1879. The highest temperature in the shade was not more than 68°8, which was two degrees and eleven degrees colder respectively than the warmest day in May and June. The rainfall at Crowborough and Forest Lodge was very heavy, while that at Uckfield was less than at any station from which I received a report. The actual amount which fell there was 4:19 inches, which has been only three times exceeded during the last 45 years, viz., in 1865, 1867 and 1882. At Crowborough it was the largest amount which I have ever registered, for this month, during the last eighteen years. This sunless month may be described as having had only one cloudless morning (13th), while the average daily amount of cloud, at 9 a.m., was as much as 9'5 (an overcast sky being represented by Ioro). On the 2nd, a heavy gale, with almost continuous rain for some hours, came up from the S.W. On the 6th, a thunder storm passed away to the eastward, and some rain and hail fell here. Early in the morning of the 11th, a very heavy hailstorm occurred about two miles to the northward ; some snow fell here and the temperature fell to a lower point than I ever remember to have recorded in July. In the shade it was only 5°, and on the grass only 3° above the freezing point. A considerable quantity of hail or snow must have fallen on the hill to the north of Beachy Head, as I noticed its whitened appearance so late as 8 a.m.; the sky being densely overcast. Snow was reported to have fallen this morning at Brighton, East Bourne and Hastings. An unusual darkness prevailed on the 15th ; a dense cloud rested on the hill and I observed frequent faint flashes of lightning, but no thunder in consequence of immediate earth contact. I have previously observed this phenomenon on more than one occasion. On the 17th, this district was again visited by a thunder storm, and there was considerable electrical disturbance on the two following days. On 22nd, about 10.45 p.m., a rather severe thunder storm occurred, and with such heavy rain that more than one inch fell in about 45 minutes. In consequence of this heavy rain the hay crop over many acres was completely washed away for some miles. A house at Lewes was struck by lightning. - - AUGUST.—This, the last month of summer, proved more seasonable than either June or July, and the temperature, during the day and night, was warmer than any other month ; nevertheless the mean was two degrees and a half below the average of many years. The sky was somewhat more free from cloud which was distinctly indicated by the solar radiation thermometer. The fluctuations of the barometer, though frequent, were very trifling. The rainfall at Crowborough was about equal to the average of the last eighteen years, but at Uckfield it was one inch in excess. The average of the former and the excess at the latter station was entirely due to the very heavy rain on the 1st, which was exactly one inch at Crowborough, but nearly an inch and three-quarters at Uckfield. This heavy rain coming so immediately after the large total for July, caused very serious floods, both in London and the South-Eastern counties generally. It was the result of a heavy thunder storm. Near the village of Rotherfield a valuable team of horses was struck by the electric fluid. One horse was killed instantaneously and the others were thrown down and injured. The temperature fluctuated very much, and chiefly in consequence of the frequent variations in the direction of the wind ; the S.W. was the most prevalent. There was not much electrical disturbance after the 1st, but thunder was heard on the 15th and a slight thunder storm occurred on the 30th. The greater portion of the hay crop was secured during the first fortnight, but a very considerable quantity would be in very bad condition and absolutely useless for fodder. GENERAL REMARKS UPON THE SUMMER. Upon a review of the Meteorological character of the Summer of 1888, I find that with the exception of the Summers of 1860 and 1879, it was certainly the coldest and most ungenial during the last half century, and, perhaps, since the year 1816. It is also a remarkable fact, which I believe to be quite unprecedented within living memory, was below the average, consequently all vegetation suffered severely from the absence of that due amount of sunshine, without which it is impossible it can proceed to full maturity. With the exception of June 25th, when the tempera- ture in the shade reached 80°, it cannot be said that there was a really hot summer's day during the three months, while on several occasions fires were more agreeable than the usual light summer clothing. For the six months ending April 30th, the average amount of cloud was as much as 8, 1 ; a completely overcast sky being represented by 1 o'o. By way of comparison, the following table gives particulars of the temperature of several cold summers during the last 46 years, and I should state that in order to render my observations at Crowborough comparable with those formerly taken by me at Uckfield, + 1°4, has been applied to the former as a correction for the difference of elevation above sea level between the two stations. Months. 1845 1860 1862 | 1867 1879 | 1882 | 1888 June .................................... 60°-6 56°-1 57°1 57.4 56.3 || 56.6 || 57.3 July .................................... 60-0 || 59-0 || 59.3 58.3 57.7 || 59-7 || 57.8 August .............................. 57-1 || 58-9 59-6 || 60-6 || 60.1 59.8 59.0 Mean temperature of the Summer 59:2 58.0 58-7 || 58.7 58.0 58.7 58.0 With respect to the rainfall, a larger quantity was recorded at Crowborough than for any other Summer during the last eighteen years, 1879 excepted. It appears from Miss L. Day's report that a small quantity was registered by her at Uckfield compared with many other stations in the county. The following table gives some particulars of the rainfall during wet Summers, from the Uckfield register of 46 years and the Crowborough register of 18 years. |Uckfield Rainfall in Inches. Crowborough Months. 1848 1852 1860 | 1879 | 1888 || 1879 1888 June ................................. 3.91 || 7-04 || 4-80 || 3:29 || 3:26 3-87 || 4-31 July .................................... 3.01 || 0:50 || 3:00 || 3:53 || 4:19 || 4-71 || 6-76 August .............................. 6:05 6:01 || 5-84 4.80 3.49 || 6′56 || 3-11 Total for the Summer ............ 12-97 13:55 13.64 11-62 | 10:94 || 15:14 || 14:18 The large amount recorded at Crowborough and Forest Lodge, Maresfield, for July, respectively, resulted from local thunder storms. +3%+ SEPTEMBER.—The mean temperature of this month was, within a fraction of a degree, equal to the average of many years, although still warmer weather would have been very desirable for the harvest; yet the general condition of the air was an agreeable change after the very humid weather of the previous three months, notwith- standing the frequent prevalence of N.E. winds, particularly at the period of the Equinox. The mean daily readings of the barometer were high, with but little fluctuation, and there was an entire absence of the gales in this locality which are supposed to be usual at this season of the year. It was by far the driest month of the year, as the rainfall was scarcely equal to one-third of the average. Vivid lightning was visible to the eastward during the evening of the 9th, which was followed by rain during the night, and a cold shower of rain and hail on the I oth. From the º - foth to the 28th, the air was véry dry and no precipitation occurred. On the 24th distant thunder was heard in the º N.W., and about 4 p.m. on the 27th a very fine prismatic Solar halo was visible for some time. Its diameter was 35 degrees. OCTOBER.—This month was unseasonably cold, and the mean temperature nearly 4 degrees below the º average. On the 4th some showers of rain and hail fell, causing a considerable decrease of temperature and such a severe frost during the night that many half hardy plants were much injured and in some instances killed. Slight frost occurred again on the 7th. The wind was very changeable and nearly equally distributed. Although the weather was cold, yet there were several cloudless days. The rainfall was an inch and a half below the average, and the greater part fell during the last four days, accompanied by an unusually high temperature both day and night. The month passed without any gale or even stormy weather. NOVEMBER.—This was the first month in the year in which the mean temperature exceeded the average; the excess was considerable and amounted to 3°4. So high a temperature had not been recorded for November - since 1881. There were only two frosty nights during the entire month. The readings of the barometer were low, but the curve for the month deviated less than usual. The only gale occurred on the 27th, and was from the S.E. The rainfall was frequent and heavy at intervals, and the month's total an inch and a half above the average of many years. A great and sudden decrease of temperature occurred on the 6th, and the highest temperature for the day was upwards of 18 degrees lower than on the 5th. At midnight of the 17th a very fine prismatic lunar corona was visible. About 7 p.m. of the 26th a very loud and continuous peal of thunder was heard. The lightning struck a house near Cross-in-Hand. The electric fluid passed down a chimney and knocked down the family, who were seated around the fire, but without seriously injuring anyone. Lightning was visible again over the S.E. horizon on the evening of the 27th, and a rainbow was visible at mid-day on the 28th. The axiom of Seneca, “A meridie orius magnam vim aquarum vehi: ” was quite asserted, for more than three-quarters of an inch of rain fell during the afternoon. DECEMBER.—The mean temperature was also above the average. Some slight frosts occurred during the third week, but the weather, upon the whole, was mild and dry with a considerable amount of southerly wind, and more than the average quantity of bright sunshine. The rainfall was about half an inch less than the average and fell on 15 days. The heaviest rain was recorded during the afternoon of the 25th. The early morning of the 18th was foggy, but before 9 a.m. it subsided from the top of the hill, but enveloped the whole of the surrounding country, presenting the curious appearance, occasionally observed here, of a horizontal layer of fog in every direction. A moderate gale passed over on the 21st, and the weather was very stormy and wet on the 27th. The month closed with a fine day, a northerly wind, and an almost cloudless sky. It will be seen that the rainfall fluctuated very much in the several months, but the total quantity for the year was about equal to the average of 46 years. The following flowers were in bloom on the 25th :—Roses, African marigolds, several varieties of polyanthus, Wallflowers, violets, - iums in a sheltered situation. and SOrne scarlet geraniums in a Sne - THE STAND FOR THE EXPOSED THERMOMETERS. THE OBSERVATORY, - C. L. PRINCE. CROWBOROUGH, SUSSEX, May 14th, 1889. TIHL TE STUTTML MIA ER, Y OE A METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL, KEPT BY vºorov C. LEES ON PR IN CE, F. R. A. S., F. R. MET. S., g j g # # # # I T # #####$GE3%$##t EEEEE ATL HIS OBS EER VATL'O ER, Y, C ER O VVTIE O ER O TU G- TEHE, STUT S S IE X. : | 1889. Jan. Feb. Mar. April. May, June. July. Aug. sº Oct. Nov. Dec. Year. Barometer, mean 9 a.m., sea level.................. 30.203 29-923. 30.007 29.756. 29.843. 30.029 29.955 29.912|30-11529.707|30-239|| 30-219 29.99% ſ Absolute maximum ........................ 540-2 610-8 600-3 | 680.4 S59-0 | 899-0 || 839.8 || 859-0 || 83°5 63°7 60°.0 50°-9 | 899-0 -> minimum ........................... 21.2 | 16.2 | 19.3 || 28-3 || 37-0 || 44-0 || 44.4 || 43-0 || 34.8 || 36-0 || 23-3 || 21-0 | 16.2 Mean maximum .............................. 41.8 42.6 || 48-9 55-4 | 68-6 || 74.5 | 73.6 || 72.8 | 68.3 57-7 || 48-7 || 39.9 || 57.7 * , minimum .............................. 30.4 28.5 || 30-5 || 36-0 || 46.4 50-3 || 50.4 || 50-0 || 46.6 | 40-9 37'5 || 30-7 || 39.8 & , temperature ........................... 36:1 35.5 39.7 45.7 57.5 62-4 62-0 || 61.4 57.4 49-3 || 43-1 || 35-3 || 48.7 , daily range ........................... 11.4 || 14-1 | 18.4 || 19.4 22.2 24-2 || 23.2 22.8 21-7 | 16.8 || 11.2 9.2 | 17-9 Solar radiation (in Vacuo), maximum... 62-0 | 69.1 69-0 || 77.0 96-0 | 99-0 | 94.0 936 90.3 75-0 | 66-2 57-0 | 99-0 G. : : *: lī16&Il . . . . . . . . . 45:2- 49.1 57-5 65-0 || 78:1 82.8 83.2 83-0 || 76.2 65.4 51-6 || 43.2 - 65.0 Terrestrial radiation—minimum .................. HS-7 || 15-6 || 15-3 || 27.5 34.5 42.2 | 40.1 || 39.2 31-0 || 32°2 22-2 || 17-0 || 15.3 22 Illéall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27.8 26.8 28-0 || 34-1 || 43-3 || 48.9 || 48-6 || 47.4 44.1 38'2 35-3 || 28-6 || 37.6 Mean amount of cloud, 9 a.m. (0.10)............ 7.1 S-3 || 7-8 S-2 || 7-8 5-2 || 6-6 5-9 || 5-2 || 6-8 || 7-1 || 6-9 || 6-9 *"...º.º.º. "...}| 4 || 9 || 8 || 8 || 9 || 3 || 2 | 18 15 10 12 s 191 ſ Absolute maximum........................... 50:8 || 57.1 56-5 65-0 || 79.2 80.6 || 78-0 || 79-3 || 77.1 58°5 57-0 || 49.4 80.6 3: minimum .........................., 23.7 | 18-2 21.8 || 31-0 || 36.8 || 45.8 || 47.6 44.5 37.5 36-0 || 25.2 23-0 | 18-2 Mean maximum ......,....................... 40.2 | 40-0 || 45.5 || 51.1 63.4 | 68.8 67.3 | 66.9 63-3 || 54'4 47-0 | 40.1 54-0 minimum .............................. 31-6 || 30-4 32.2 37.2 47.4 || 51.2 || 51.6 50.9 || 48.2 || 41.4 38.8 32.2 || 41.0 , temperature ........................... 35.9 || 35-2 || 38.8 || 44.1 55.4 60-0 || 59.4 || 58-9 55-7 || 47.9 42.9 || 36-1 || 47.5 { , daily range ........................... 8-6 || 9-6 || 13-3 || 13.9 16-0 || 17-6 15-7 | 16-0 || 15.1 13-0 || 8-2 || 7-9 13-0 Temperature, 9 a.m. ........................ 36-3 || 35.1 39-6 || 44.5 || 56.8 62.1 60-5 60-5 56.2 || 48-3 || 43-6 || 36.8 || 48-3 2: of dew point, 9 a.m. ...| 33-3 || 32.3 || 35-7 || 39.9 50.9 53.8 53.4 53.4 50-3 || 45-6 || 41-7 || 35.8 43-8 Elastic force of vapour..................... •190 .182 .209 .246 || 373 || 414 .406 | 406 || 365 '306 || 264 210 | .297 -titeiative humidity, 9 a.m.-......…..…. 88 86–1-83+-89–1–74-- 77—HT7-l-80––90–| 92–1–96–1–84-i- ſ N.................................................... 4. 10 5 7 2 I 5 2 3 2 5 8 54 N.E. ........................ ................... 13 4. 9 5 7 19 6 0 11 7 2 5 88 E................................. .................. 0 1 1 4 I 0 2 () () 1 6 4 20 S.E................................................. I 0 0 3 3 4 I 3 2 1 1 1 20 N S.................................................... 5 () 3 3 7 2 2 2 4 7 5 4 44 S.W. ............................................. 4. 4. 5 7 5 || 0 9 || 14 1 8 1 7 65 W. ................................................ 1 7 5 1 6 4 5 7 2 4 9 2 53 U. N.W. ................. . ---------------- ........... 3 2 3 0 () 0 I 3 7 1 1 0 21 ſ Crowborough ................................. 1.34 || 3:23 2.44 || 3-27 || 1:72 0.57 || 4:30 || 4:00 || 1:38 || 8-09 || 1:84 2.70 || 34.88 a. Eridge Castle ........................... 0.97 2.69 || 3:08 || 2.96 | 1.82 || 0-6] | 3:23 || 3:20 || 1:12 || 7-90 20: 2-48 || 32-14 b. Mayfield Vicarage ..................... 1-40 || 2:25 | 1.95 || 2:76 I-62 0-35 || 3-71 2.82 1-25 | 8'50 || 1:56 || 2:30 || 30-47 c. Forest Lodge, Maresfield ............ 1:34 || 3:07 || 2:23 || 3-11 || 1:47 || 0:26 || 3.25 || 3:25 || 1:20 | 6'92 || 1:49 || 2:21 |29.80 d. Waldron, Heatherden .................. 1.26 2.65 | 1.89 2.74 1-42 || 0-37 || 3:19 || 2:85 || 1:32 8-74 || 1:50 || 2:00 29-93 ~! 62. » Bryckden ..................... 1:16 2.61 | 1.90 || 2:56 1:56 || 0:38 || 3:74 2.91 || 1:23 8-31 || 1:60 || 2:13 ||30–09 f. Uckfield .................................... I-OI 2-34 || I-83 gº 0-31 || 3.75 || 3:57 | 1.04 || 7-15 I-27 | 1.75-27,53 g. Warbleton Rectory ..................... 1:10 2.24 | 1.66 || 2:60 || 1:20 || 0-33 2.76 || 2:56 || 1:20 9:37 || 1:44 || 2:05 28.51 h. Fletching ................................, 1:20 || 2:53 || 2:19 976 1.53 || 0-18 || 3:40 2.84 || 1:32 6'98 || 1:33 | 1.89 |28-15 U /. Newick .................................... 1:06 || 2.68 || 2:30 || 2:59 1.73 || 0-22 || 3:59 || 2.95 || 1:02 || 7-24 || 1:58 | 1.98 || 28-94 !). The Observatory is situated 825 feet above the level of the a. From the Register kept by Mr. RUST, Eridge Castle Gardens. The Rev. H. T. M. KIRBY. Capt. W.M. No BLE, F.R.A.S. J. G. BouchER, Esq., J.P. Dr. GRAHAM. | | Sea. Latitude, 51° 3' 14" North, Longitude, 0° 9' 30" East. f. From the Register kept by Miss LAURA DAY. The Rev. R. G. PENNY. Dr. TREUTLER, F.R.Met.S. ſ/. h. Ž. 22 2: 77 T. ST. LEGER BLAAUW, Esq. GENERAL REMARKS. JANUARY. —The mean temperature of this month was about one degree below the average, although the frost was not at any time severe. The lowest temperature in the shade was recorded on the morning of the 6th, and that of terrestrial radiation on the 5th, which was followed by a brilliant day and night. Thick rime accumulated on the trees and shrubs. The 10th was a remarkably dark day and artificial light was required at 3 p.m. A faint lunar halo was observed on the night of the 19th, and during the following week the weather became colder with frequent but not severe frost at night. The last day of the month was particularly mild and pleasant for the time of year. The prevailing wind was the N.E. The readings of the barometer were high during the first week and last fortnight, and the rainfall was not much above a third of the average. FEBRUARY.-Was colder than January, and its mean temperature fully 2° below the average. On the morning of the 12th the temperature in the shade fell to 18°2 which proved to be the most severe frost during the winter. Frosty nights were frequent and very clear on several occasions. Northerly winds were the most frequent. Rainfall was somewhat above the average and snow fell in trifling amounts on eleven days. A rather heavy gale from S.E. passed over on the afternoon of the 13th, and a prismatic lunar corona was observed at 9 p.m. on the 14th. The readings of the barometer were low with sudden fluctuations. MARCH.-Began with very cold weather and sharp frosts occurred very frequently to the 17th, when the weather became much milder, with occasional showers, to the end. The total rainfall was about equal to the average and was recorded on 14 days. Northerly winds were the most prevalent. The weather was rather stormy on the 19th, but otherwise the air was very calm and the equinox passed without any gale in this locality. A brilliant prismatic lunar corona was observed on the night of the 16th, which was followed by mild weather and variable winds. The reading of the barometer was low on the morning of the 20th, viz., 29'039 inches at sea level. The nights of the I Ith and 22nd were remarkably favourable for astronomical observations. APRIL.-Although the mean temperature of this month was considerably below the average, yet it was warmer than the corresponding month of last year. The weather was, upon the whole, very sunless and ungenial and, as a consequence, vegetation was very backward for the time of year. Rain fell more or less on twenty days, a number largely in excess of the average, but the total quantity registered was not so great as might have been expected. The readings of the barometer were lower than I have ever recorded in April (1879 excepted). The prevailing wind current was N. or N.E. on twelve days, which much conduced to a low mid-day temperature. Several thunderstorms occurred along the borders of Sussex and Kent, while that on the 9th was very severe. The lightning struck Cowden Church as well as several oak trees in that neighbourhood. I noticed that many flashes were of the globular form. The rain was very trifling here, but we had a continuous hail shower for upwards of an hour, which caused such diminution of temperature that the maximum on the I oth was only 44°7. A rather severe gale came on from the S.W. on the 23rd and a slight thunderstorm with rain and hail showers occurred on the 25th. MAY.—Was a warm and very genial spring month, while both the day and night temperature was considerably above the average. Rain fell in rather small quantities on twelve days. I observed a lunar halo at 9 p.m. on the 8th. The most prevalent winds were from S. and S.W. Lightning was visible to the westward on the 24th and 25th. On several days a dense haze pervaded the landscape. The night of the 22nd was a very brilliant one for astronomical observation, with that exquisite telescopic definition which frequently obtains here during the spring months. The details of the rings of the planet Saturn were seen to great advantage, and I came to the conclusion that Terry’s white spot was, after all, a mere optical delusion. JUNE.—Little need be said of this month but that it was upon the whole exceedingly dry, warm and pleasant. The temperature was high both day and night. The readings of the barometer were above the average and their fluctuation very trifling, as their entire range was only 770 of an inch. There was an extraordinary prevalence of a north-easterly current of wind on 19 days, 13 of which were consecutive, viz., from 16th to 28th, both inclusive. Frequent thunder was heard in the S.W. during the afternoon of the 6th. On the 7th, during the greater part of the afternoon, I Observed some magnificent masses of cumulo-stratus cloud, highly electrified, extending in a continuous line along nearly the entire length of the contiguous borders of Kent, Sussex and Surrey, from which very heavy peals of thunder rolled almost incessantly for nearly two hours, while here the Sun shone brilliantly all the afternoon. The rain and hail of this storm was very heavy at Tunbridge Wells and its vicinity, while the damage occasioned thereby was greater than on any instance on record in that neighbourhood. I was credibly informed that many of the hail-stones were the size of pigeons' eggs, and that Mr. Young, of Barden Mill, picked one up which weighed nearly or quite half-a-pound ! On this same day many severe thunderstorms occurred in various parts of England, and in the majority of instances very heavy hail-stones were precipitated. The effect of this ice storm was so great that the highest temperature of the 8th was just twenty degrees lower than on the 7th. At the close of the month the drought had become rather serious in some districts, and there were no indications of approaching rain. As is usual in seasons of drought, a very dense haze pervaded the landscape so that distant objects were quite invisible for many days together. It is worthy of record that the S.W. wind, which is generally so prevalent over the S.E. of England, was entirely absent throughout the month, a fact, I think, without precedent during the last half-century, and perhaps much longer. The average amount of cloud was only 5’2 ; an overcast sky being represented by 1979. JULY.—The fine weather of June continued to the 6th of this month, when a rather sudden decrease of atmospheric pressure indicated the approaching change which arrived on the following day, and rain fell daily (13th and 19th excepted) during the succeeding twenty-two days to the amount of 4:30 inches. This quantity exceeded the average of 47 years by nearly 1.5o inches. Although this heavy rainfall was very beneficial to vegetation generally, yet it interfered very much with that portion of the hay harvest which had not been completed during the latter part of June. The first and last weeks were fine and pleasant; notwithstanding which the mean temperature of the month was about two degrees below the average. Some electrical disturbance occurred in this district on the 14th, 17th, 23rd and 26th, but this immediate locality was not visited by any severe thunderstorm. On the 23rd the lightning was very vivid and frequent on the S.E. horizon, and on one occasion I noticed three separate flashes pass down towards the sea, simultaneously, and apparently about a quarter of a mile apart. On the 27th of 32 inch of rain fell between 7.40 and 7.50 p.m. A great variety of the Cirrus cloud was seen here on the 11th and 31st. - AUGUST.—The mean temperature was about one degree below the average and a large quantity of rain fell during the first three weeks, which very much delayed the ingathering of the harvest. The total was nearly one inch above the average of many years. There was an entire absence of thunderstorms. The highest temperature in the shade was only 79° on the 1st and 79°3 on the 30th and 31st. The S.W. wind was more prevalent than had been observed for many months. The evening of the 7th was very favourable for the observation of the occultation of Jupiter by the Moon. In consequence of first contact happening in bright sunlight, I could not be certain of the exact time but disappearance took place at 16h. 12m. 18s., L.S.T. The planet, when in contact with the moon, assumed a peculiar green colour, but its limb was quite bright to the moment of disappearance. Re-appearance occurred at 17h. 5m. 56s., L.S.T., and last contact at 17.h. 7m. 58s., L.S.T., the planet was then of a somewhat greener colour than at disappearance ; this greenish colour continued for upwards of an hour. The limb of the moon was very sharp and black as it passed over the disc of the planet. The belts were dark on emersion, but perfectly distinct close up to the moon’s limb. The evening of the 28th was also very favourable for an observation of Davidson's Comet, which I then saw for the first time; its appearance was that of a bright, somewhat oval nebulosity, with a nearly central condensation. SEPTEMBER.—Although this was a very fine, dry, and pleasant month, yet the mean temperature was scarcely equal to the average, but this may have been due in part to the great prevalence of N.E. wind during a full third of the month. The readings of the barometer were very uniform, above the average, and exceeded 30 inches on 20 days at sea level. The total rainfall was little more than a third of the average of many years. Severe thunderstorms occurred in various parts of the Kingdom on 2nd, and the places more especially visited in the counties of Sussex and Kent were the neighbourhoods of Seal, Southend, Tunbridge, Sevenoaks, Edenbridge and Rye. Considerable damage was done there by the lightning and torrents of rain. The lightning, as seen from my Observatory, was magnificent, and it exhibited for the most part a tint close resembling that of the ordinary electric light; only a slight shower fell here about 9 p.m. This month was particularly favourable for astronomical observa- tions, as no less than 15 nights were remarkably clear. The equinox passed without any gale. OCTOBER—The mean temperature was rather more than one degree below the average; a condition caused by a low mid-day temperature for the nights were much warmer than usual and the month passed away without any frost even on the surface of short grass. In a long series of years the average rainfall in October is the largest for the year, and in the present instance it fully maintained its character, for there were only seven dry days and the total quantity was nearly double the average of many years. At Uckfield, the amount was 7: 15 inches, which had been exceeded there only four times during the last 47 years, viz., 870 inches in 1852, 7:25 in 1853, 11:23 in 1865, and 7-78 inches in 1882. At Crow borough, the amount was 8'09 inches which has been only once exceeded during the last 19 years, viz., 8:30 inches in 1882. The mean reading of the barometer had not been so low since 1865. The temperature of the Dew Point was only 2°7 below that of the air at 9.0 a.m. A rainbow was observed at noon on the 4th and again at the same hour on the 9th, which is a certain sign of an approaching wet season. During the night of the 19th a heavy gale prevailed from the S.W. and another on the 26th from the N.E. NOVEMBER.—The heavy rains of October continued to the 3rd of this month on which day nearly an inch of rain was registered, but for three weeks from this date, no more rain was registered although during that time the weather was frequently gloomy and damp, notwithstanding the long continuance of an anticyclone. The mean temperature was above the average both day and night and no trace of frost was observable until the 26th. On the 27th a gale came on from the Northward with a slight fall of snow, and this was only the fifth time during the month that any precipitation was recorded. DECEMBER.—In consequence of some rather severe frosts during the first and last weeks, the mean temperature was much below the average. Some snow fell on the 5th, 6th, 7th and 29th, but the quantity in each instance was very trifling. Frequent rain occurred from the 12th to the 24th, but the total quantity for the month, including the melted snow, was nearly an inch below the average of many years. An unusual amount of fog and a generally misty condition of the atmosphere prevailed during a great part of the month and, as a consequence, the temperature of the Dew Point at 9.0 a.m. was only one degree below that of the air. An Aurora was visible early in the evening of the Ioth, but the sky soon became overcast and not much was seen of it. The month ended with - sharp frost and a cold wind from the Southward. THE STAND FOR THE EXPOSED THERMOMETERS. Some Remarks upon the great prevalence of N.E. Wind during the last five years. The great preponderance of N.E. wind over all other wind currents, and more particularly over that from the S.W., which has obtained during the last five years has induced me to look through my journal since 1858 in order to ascertain whether I had a record of any similar condition of the principal wind currents of the S.E. of England. For the thirty-one years, ending with 1889, I find only two instances in which the N.E. has been in excess, viz., in the years 1864 and 1870. The following table gives the average annual frequency of the N.E. and S.W. winds respectively in each year from 1859 to 1883, both inclusive. - Year. N.E. S.W. Year. N.E. S.W. Year. N.E. S.W. - 1859 48 109 1869 81 110 1879 51 69 |- 1860 68 132 1870 107 88 1880 84 90 1861 69 138 1871 78 88 1881 69 78 | 1862 64 128 1872 36 116 1882 43 79 1863 43 138 1873 62 119 1883 62 78 1864 104 89 1874 65 87 1865 84 94 1875 65 90 |Average 63 99 1866 54 122 1876 36 64 | 1867 67 101 1877 30 87 | 1868 84 120 1878 33 67 . In the year 1884 the N.E. and S.W. winds were nearly balanced, viz., N.E. 75, S.W. 72 ; but during the last five years there has been a reversal of their respective frequency and to the considerable amount shewn in the following table, which will include also the average annual frequency of the several winds from the eight principal points of the compass during the last 47 years, viz., from 1843 to 1889, both inclusive. | Year. N. N.E. E. S.E. S. S.W. W. N.W. 1885 40 98 30 20 46 74 41 16 1886 28 102 19 37 32 83 50 14 1887 || 51 128 15 12 27 67 46 19 1888 34 95 23 24 40 71 61 18 1889 54 88 20 20 44 65 53 21 Average frequency ... 41 102 21 22 38 72 50 17 Average of 47 years... 33 63 29 27 28 91 59 35 It seems difficult to assign any physical cause for this sudden and great change in the direction of our two most prevalent winds, but it may be interesting to draw attention to the fact in the event of some comparative observa- tions being elicited. That the S.W. wind has been for many years the most prevalent current in the S.E. of England has been long established, both by record and tradition, as well as by observation of the growth of trees in exposed situations, i.e., how their principal branches lean to the northward. The change cannot be due to the greater elevation of my present Observatory, above the sea level, over my former position at Uckfield, because the preponderance of the S.W. was maintained here from 1873 to 1883 as it had been there during the previous 30 years. THE OBSERVATORY, - - C. L. PRINCE. CRow BOROUGH, SUSSEX, January 31st, 1890. TIEH TE S TJ INZL INZL A-TER, TSZ" OF A M ET E O R O LOGICAL J O U R N A L. KEPT by C. L. PRINCE, F.R.A.S., F.R.MET.S., &c., A T H IS O B S E RVAT OR Y, * C R O W B O R O U G H, S U S S E X. 1883. Jan. Feb. Mar. April. May. June. July. || Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year. Barometer, mean 9 a.m., reduced to sea level ......... 29.947|30,095 29.934 30.017|29.962. 29.931|29.855|30,038|29.837. 29.985. 29.864. 30.197 29.971 2, # (Absolute maximum ................................. 51.0 || 57.4 586 73.6 || 77.2 83.6 || 80.6 | 84.2 || 77.0 || 70.2 || 56.7 || 52.8 || 84.2 É ă , minimum ................................. 26.2 || 30-0 | 19.0 28.8 || 28.1 | 37.0 || 41.0 || 45.0 | 40.0 || 33.0 || 28.0 || 23.4 19.0 # Mean maximum....................................... 44.2 || 48.5 45.9 || 59.8 || 65.3 71.2 | 72.7 || 75.2 | 68.7 || 58.7 || 49.9 || 42.9 || 58.5 ă# » minimum....................................... 34.5 | 34.7 27.7 || 36.4 || 41.3 47.0 || 49.4 || 51.3 || 48.5 42.8 || 35.8 || 33.3 | 40.2 * : Mean...................................................... 39.3 || 41.6 || 36.8 || 48.1 53.3 59.1 | 61.0 | 63.2 58.6 || 50.7 || 42.8 || 38.1 || 49.3 # º, daily range .................................... 9.7 | 13.8 18.2 23.4 24.0 24.2 23.3 23.9 20.2 15.9 || 14.1 9.6 | 18.3 # Solar radiation (in Vacuo), mean ............... 49.1 55.1 58.4 71.6 || 79.1 86.1 86.4 || 85.5 80.2 | 66.7 || 56.4 || 46.8 | 684 à à \ ** absolute maximum ............ 58.2 | 66.0 || 70.0 | 86.0 | 92.6 97.0 | 94.0 | 94.1 || 88.5 82.5 || 67.0 || 56.5 || 97.0 Mean terrestrial radiation ................................. 33.0 32.6 25.0 32.6 38.0 44.3 46.3 || 48.2 46.1 40.7 || 33.4 || 32.2 || 37.7 , amount of cloud, 0-10 .............................. 7.2 7.5 6.6 7.I. 6.2 6.0 7.9 6.0 6.9 7.3 6.4 8.4 6.9 º Absolute maximum ................................. 50.2 52.0 52.6 | 68.2 | 72.6 78.2 76.0 || 79.1 | 72.4 || 65.0 || 52.3 || 51.2 || 79.1. # # , minimum ................................. 27.7 || 32.0 21.1 || 30.0 || 30.1 38.6 || 43.5 || 46.4 || 42.2 || 35.0 || 30.0 || 25.7 21.1 # É. Mean maximum....................................... 43.1 || 45.9 || 42.0 53.9 || 60.3 | 66.4 67.1 || 69.9 63.3 55.2 || 47.9 || 42.0 54.7 # # , minimum....................................... - 35.3 || 35.6 29.1 || 37.9 || 42.7 47.4 50.2 53.2 || 49.1 44.0 || 36.8 34.3 || 41.3 #3 * Mean ................................................... 39.2 | 40.7 35.5 45.9 51.5 56.9 58.6 || 61.5 56.2 49.6 || 42.3 || 38.1 48.0 #: º, daily range .................................... 7.8 || 10.3 || 12.9 | 16.0 || 17.6 || 19.0 | 16.9 | 16.7 || 14.2 || 11.2 || 11.1 || 7.7 || 13.4 É > | Temperature, 9 a.m. ................................. 39.5 || 41.0 35.0 || 46.3 54.3 59.4 60.7 62.6 56.1 || 50.0 || 43.0 || 38.4 48.8 # 22 of dew point, 9 a.m. ............ 37.7 || 38.7 || 30.9 || 39.1 || 46.2 || 51.8 53.1 55.9 || 52.9 || 46.9 || 41.7 || 36.0 || 44.2 㺠Difference of air and dew point.................. 1.8 2.3 || 4.1 || 7.2 || 8.1 7.6 || 7.6 6.7 || 3.2 || 3.1 1.3 2.4 || 4.6 N. ......................................................... 2 4 || 10 6 8 () 5 3 3 4. 2 8 || 55 N.E. ...................................................... I () || 10 || 11 9 II () 3 6 3 3 5 || 62 É E. ......................................................... 3 () 3 () I 0 0 1 2 3 2 I 16 ‘s S.E. ...................................................... 6 3 () 5 2 3 3 () 4. 3 1 I 31 #: º S. ......................................................... 5 8 3 2 2 4. 6 2 •) 3 3 0 40 * S.W. ...................................................... 7 5 () 2 7 6 I0 10 9 6 9 7 78 W.......................................................... 5 5 4. 4. I 3 3 8 2 7 6 6 54 | N.W............................... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 3 | 0 I 3 || 4 4. O 2 4. 3 29 (Crowborough.......................................... 3.16 || 4.94 | 1.28 || 1.84 2.56 2.25 2.86 | 1.38 || 4.49 || 3.16 || 5.35 | 1.78 || 35.05 #. q. Uckfield º ............. 2.73 || 4.27 | 1.24 | 1.38 2.62 2.32 2.31 0.63 || 3.13 || 2.88 || 4.59 | 1.39 || 29.49 # = b. Forest Lodge, Maresfield ....... 4:37 0.97 | 1.58 || 2:00 1.54 2.25 || 1:22 2.82 || 3.89 || 4.75 | 1.34 29.52 c. Woodleigh, Mayfield ......... ... 2. 4.26 | 1.16 | 1.63 2.57 2.92 || 2.12 | 1.13 || 3.23 2.89 || 5.04 || 1.47 || 31.14. * The observatory is situated 825 feet above the level of the sea, in Latitude 51° 3. 14" North, and in Longitude 0° 9' 30" East. a. From the Register kept by MISS LAURA DAY, Uckfield House. - b. » 27 -- CAPTAIN WM, NOBLE, F.R.A.S. (?. -- -- -- MRS, LONSDALE. THE general meteorological features of the year 1883 were not remarkable for any extreme temperature, pressure, or rainfall. JANUARY was mild with frequent fluctuations of temperature and sudden variations in the direction of the wind. Rain fell more or less on 17 days, but on no occasion was the amount large. Some snow fell on the 9th, and again on the 24th, during a gale from the S.E. A strong gale was also prevalent on 28th and 29th, which continued almost uninterruptedly on the latter day. FEBRUARY was very mild also, and scarcely any frost occurred. The morning of the 17th was the coldest, but even then the lowest temperature was not more than 2° below the freezing point. A great quantity of rain fell during the first three weeks, so that the total for the month consider- ably exceeded the average. The wind varied very much be- tween S.E. and W. Gales were rather frequent, especially on 1st, 9th, 10th. The readings of the barometer were very high during the last week. MARCH was the coldest month of the year, as often happens when the two or three winter months have been milder than usual. The mean temperature was nearly six degrees below the average, and, therefore, the coldest since March, 1865. The frost was severe during the second week, accompanied by keen northerly winds and frequent slight falls of snow. The rainfall was very much below the average. There was a great rise of temperature during the last day of the month. APRIL. The mean temperature was a little above the average, but the usual fluctuations peculiar to this month were not wanting. There were, however, only four frosty nights, and the greatest cold was 28.8° on the morning of the 24th. It was a remarkably dry month, and the first seventeen days passed away without a shower. A rather heavy fall of snow occurred on the 23rd, which, however, soon melted under the increasing heat of the sun's rays. This snow lay very heavily upon evergreen shrubs, some of which received injury from its weight. Northerly winds were very prevalent. MAY.—Although there were some frosty nights during the first week, yet the mean temperature of the month was about equal to the average. After the 12th the night temperature was much warmer, and vegetation advanced very rapidly. There was, however, a frequent prevalence of northerly wind. The rainfall was rather above the average, and very heavy on the 11th during the passage of some thunder showers. During the latter part of the month there was brilliant sunshine on several days. JUNE.—The temperature of this month was slightly above the average of the last few years, but there was very little real summer weather throughout the month. During the first fortnight there was a great prevalence of N.E. - - - - - - - - - - R. E. M. A. F. K. S. wind, and (with the exception of the rain during a thunder- storm on the 9th) an entire absence of rain. This storm was very heavy to the N.W. of this hill, where many hop gardens and general foliage received serious damage from the fall of very large hailstones. The temperature at night was very high during the last week. The rainfall was below the average. JULY.—This was a very dull and showery month, rain falling more or less on eighteen days; nevertheless, the total fall did not equal the average amount. The mean height of the barometer was the lowest for the year. Westerly winds were the most prevalent. AUGUST.—This was the hottest month of the year, and the mean temperature was above the average of the other summer months. Many days were characterised by cloudless skies and brilliant sunshine. The harvest progressed very satisfactorily. The atmospheric pressure was, upon the whole, very equable, and the mean was above the average. The first half of the month was showery, but the total rain- fall was much below the average. SEPTEMBER—The mean temperature of this month was also somewhat above the average. There were a few fine days, but the month was, upon the whole, dull and showery. The total rainfall was considerably above the average. The wind was very changeable, but for the most part westerly. A rather severe gale occurred on the 2nd, with a considerable fall of the barometer, which was the only occasion throughout the year when the reduced reading at 9 a.m. was below 29-000 inches; viz., 28.907. --- - OCTOBER—The mean temperature was about equal to, - and the rainfall considerably less than, the average, although the wind was, for the most part, westerly. The month passed without any frost or any particular gale. NOVEMBER—The mean temperature was about equal to the average, but the rainfall was considerably in excess. The reading of the barometer was low on the 6th and 25th. On the latter occasion the weather was stormy with much lightning and thunder at midnight, accompanied by heavy rain and hail. The westerly winds were again very preva- lent, but variable. Slight frosts occurred during the second week. DECEMBER.—With the exception of some rather sharp frosts near the beginning of this month, the weather was very mild throughout, accompanied by great atmospheric pressure, particularly during the last week. A somewhat heavy snow storm occurred on the 6th, which was almost the only snow shower during the winter of 1883–4. A very dense fog prevailed both day and night during the last week, which appears to have been general over the S. and S.E. of England. The rainfall was much below the average, which is somewhat unusual when the month is characterised by mild weather. THE PEIENOMEN A I, —º- The beautiful phenomena which have been observed during the last few months over the greater part of the world, in connection with sunrise and sunset, may be regarded, I think, as almost unique so far as our records extend, and more particularly in their long continuance. Readers of our various scientific periodicals must have become acquainted with several theories which have been advanced respecting their origin. The primary idea appears to have been that they were the result of the great volcanic eruption at Kra- katoa, on which occasion an enormous amount of volcanic dust was forced up, retained in, and floated about, the higher strata of the atmosphere. I could never accept this theory; but at the same time I do not hold the great eruption at Krakatoa and other places by any means innocent of, or un- connected with, these phenomena. From the vast amount of terrestrial displacement occurrent, and the equally vast amount of sea water which rushed into the chasm, an incon- ceivable quantity of steam, charged with the various saline ingredients of which sea water is composed, was forced up to an extraordinary height, where, on account of a low temperature, it became suddenly crystallised. These saline particles would naturally crystallise into their respective normal forms, and exhibit the various colours due to the refractive indices of their components. The colours assumed by the layers of cloud nearest the earth, would doubtless originate from the refraction of those coloured ice particles situated in the upper atmosphere, which latter would of course not be visible to any one observer, unless, at his station, the emergent re- fracted ray reached his eye. Hence the time would be accounted for which elapsed between what would be con- sidered an unusually fine sunset, and the after-glow. - From my exceptionally good position for observing the various phases of these very interesting phenomena, I have watched, with care and attention, their frequent appearance and disappearance upon the occasions of the more brilliant displays in the months of November, December and January. I usually noticed that at the approach of these phenomena an extremely faint violet-tinted semi-circle, or bow, of 4° or 5° in diameter, appeared above, and on either side of the sun; which tint would last, as a rule, not more than two or three minutes, when there was a change to a greenish hue, which continued about the same time; this was succeeded by an orange tint. Subsequently, and at an uncertain interval, the lower portion of this orange-tinted stratum assumed a red tint which was much more persistent, and finally this red stratum, together with the remaining portion of the orange, became of a very deep red, and sometimes even of a scarlet colour, producing that splendid glow along the horizon which extended many degrees both to the east and west of the point of sunset. On one occasion it extended just 90° on either side; I allude particularly to the evening of December 23rd. The question arises why these phenomena were not con- stantly visible 2 I should consider that their visibility much depended upon the incident and reflected rays not being interrupted to any one observer ; and as the angles between these would be very considerable, the phenomena would be seen at a very considerable height above the surface of the SUNSETS, &c. earth, or not at all. Extensive areas of cloud, so common during the winter season, would of course be a frequent cause of interruption. The hypothesis that the crystalliza- tion of saline particles is an important factor in the production of these phenomena is supported, I think, by the record of the displays having been at their greatest brilliancy in cold weather as exemplified, in a remarkable manner, during the first week of December. For several weeks past, I have frequently noticed that the upper layer of a composite cloud has been tinged of a very light salmon, or copper colour, irrespective of any particular cloud formation, and I have noticed, further, that when there has been no well defined cloud in the neighbourhood of the sun, the latter has been surrounded by a haze of aqueous vapour, of a similar tint, which has extended 3° or 4° from the limb. A long interval has now elapsed since we have had a “remarkable sunset ’’ and I am disposed to believe that these lighter tints will be visible, at intervals, until the saline matter has been wholly eliminated from the several cloud strata of the atmosphere. One of the grandest sunsets occurred here on the evening of January 16th. On the morning of that day a dense fog rested on Crowborough Hill, but shortly before noon the fog sank somewhat, from its summit, but still enveloped the surrounding country, the Observatory alone being above it. Just upon sunset the usual violet tint became visible near the sun, and a pinkish haze above, which extended nearly to the zenith—a sure commencement of a brilliant display. Upon the horizon, and for about 3° above it, the sky soon assumed a decidedly green colour which very shortly changed to a brilliant scarlet band which extended from the S.E. to the W.N.W. points on the horizon. The whole district of the country below me was thus enveloped in fog, the upper surface of which was heaped up into irregular and undulating masses. By degrees, this surface situated to the S.W. of my position became lit up with a beautiful pink colour, by reflection from the in- tensely red glow upon the horizon, which being interrupted here and there by the fog undulations, these latter had the appearance of huge rocks arising from a blood-stained sea— the scene was a very remarkable one. That the reflection was very brilliant is confirmed by the fact that on the evening in question, Capt. Wm. Noble, F.R.A.S., of Forest Lodge, Maresfield, noticed this pink tint which, to reach him, must have penetrated the fog to the depth of 550 feet ! In conclusion I will mention that on the morning of Aug. 27th, near sunrise, I noticed a precisely similar phenomenon as regards the various tints, and their relative positions, as I did on so many mornings during the winter months which strengthens my belief in the supposition that aqueous vapour, under exceptional conditions, has been more con- cerned in the production of the late phenomena than any amount of volcanic dust. C. L. PRINCE. The Observatory, Crowborough, Sussex, May 14, 1884. º º s º - - - - - -- TIETIE STUTINZLINAT.A.R. SZT - OF A M ET E O B O L O G. I. C. A T L J O U ER. N. A. L., REPT By C. L. PRINCE, F.R.A.S., F.R.MET.S., &c., A T H IS O B S E R V A T ORY,” C R O W B O R O U G H, S U S S E X. 1884. Jan. | Feb. | Mar. April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. NOW. Dec. Year. Barometer, mean 9 a.m., reduced to sea level, &c....|30'15"| 29.946. 29.954 2080s 80.014 30-033, 29.968] 30.019. 30.023. 30.090 30-183|29.888|30.006 # # Absolute maximum ................................. 54°4 || 55-0 || 65.8 66 7 | 84.4 || 85.3 || 87.7 | 95.2 || 83-6 | 68.8 || 61.2 || 52.4 || 95.2 É ă , minimum ................................. 27.5 25-7 || 26.5 27-0 || 33-0 | 40:1 || 41-0 || 42.1 || 41.6 || 31-0 || 24.4 || 27-0 || 24.4 # Mean maximum..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-6 || 47.6 54-0 || 56.5 | 67°0 | 70.5 || 77°5 | 81.8 || 70°5 58:1 || 46-6 || 43:1 || 59.9 à * » minimum....................................... 36:1 || 35-3 || 35.2 35'5 || 43-2 || 46.5 || 51-6 || 53.2 || 527 | 408 || 35.4 || 34.1 || 41-6 º # Mean...................................................... 41-3 || 41.4 || 44-6 || 46-0 || 55:1 || 58.5 || 64.5 || 67.5 || 61-6 || 49.4 || 41-0 || 38-6 || 50.8 #: º, daily range .................................... 10.5 | 12:3 | 18-8 21-0 || 23.8 24-0 || 25.9 || 28-6 || 17-8 || 17-3 || 11:2 || 9-0 | 18-3 # Solar radiation (in Wacuo), maximum ......... 61-6 || 67.0 || 77.0 | 77.0 | 94.5 | 97.7 | 98.8 || 106.6 || 92.0 || 77.4 || 67.7 || 56.6 || 106.6 = 3 ( , 35 mean maximum ............ 50.2 55.2 | 63.2 | 67-3 || 787 | 83-0 | 88.3 || 91.4 || 79.4 66-0 || 51.1 || 46.2 | 683 Terrestrial radiation, absolute minimum ............... 282 23.8 231 26-0 || 288 || 37.8 || 38.8 || 392 || 37-0 || 28.8 || 21.8 || 23.6 21.8 5.x 35 mean minimum .................. 34.8 || 34.3 || 33-6 || 34'3 | 401 || 44.8 || 49.9 || 50.5 || 48-0 || 37.4 || 32.9 || 32-9 || 39.4 Mean amount of cloud (0–10).............................. 7-7 || 8-0 6-6 || 7-5 5°3 || 6-9 7-3 || 3-6 || 7-3 7-6 || 7-8 9-0 || 7-0 an Absolute maximum ......... ------------------------ 50.8 || 510 || 62-0 || 61-6 || 78-6 || 78.5 | 802 || 88-9 || 79 0 || 63-3 || 57.8 || 51.2 | 88-9 # r: , minimum ................................. 28-0 || 27.5 29-0 || 29-0 || 35.4 || 42-0 || 43-3 || 44-0 || 37-0 || 32-7 || 25.8 28.8 || 25.8 : É Mean maximum....................................... 45°4 || 45-3 || 49.4 || 504 || 61-8 || 65.5 || 70.8 || 75.3 || 65-6 || 54.4 || 44.9 || 42.2 55.9 º º , minimum....................................... 37-0 || 36.3 || 36-6 || 36-7 || 44-0 || 47.8 || 53.1 : 5.5:1 || 51:9 || 42-3 || 36-7 || 35-0 || 42.7 # g Mean ................................................... 412 | 408 || 43-0 || 43’5 52.9 56.6 61.9 || 65.2 || 58-7 || 48-3 || 408 || 38-6 || 49-3 q) = * 5 : º, daily range.................................... 8’4 9-0 | 12:8 || 13-7 || 17-8 || 17-7 || 17-7 || 2012 || 13-7 || 12:1 8-2 || 7-2 || 13.2 # Temperature at 9 a.m. .............................. 41-6 || 41-0 || 43-6 || 45°4 55-3 || 58.5 || 64’3 | 68.3 || 59.1 || 49.2 | 408 || 392 || 50:5 # 3. 35 of dew point, 9 a.m. ............ 39-3 || 38-1 || 37.9 || 38-3 || 46-6 || 50:1 56°1 56.2 54-2 || 46-7 || 38-3 || 36-7 || 44-8 # Elastic force of vapour.............................. •240 || 230 228 || 231 || 318 || 362 || 451 || 453 || 421 | .319 || 231 218 .308. (Relative humidity (0-100) ........................ 91 | 89 || 80 || 75 | 73 || 73 || 74 || 65 | 84 || 90 || 90 91 || 81 N. ......................................................... 3 || 1 || 6 || 2 || 0 || 6 || 1 || 3 || 1 || 8 || 10 || 1 || 42 N.E. ...................................................... 2 2 6 16 12 10 0 6 7 4. 2 8 75 É E. ......................................................... 2 2 1 1 I 2 5 3 6 1 24 + 3 | S.E. ...................................................... I 8 3 4 2 6 1 I I 2 36 #: is......................................................... 2 || 7 || 5 2 || 6 || 1 || 2 || 0 || 3 || 1 || 38 f S.W. ...................................................... 13 4. 4. I II. 7 7 4. 3 10 72 W.......................................................... 4. 4. 3 4. 8 5 7 4. 3 6 53 - * \ N.W…“…” 4 || | | 8 * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | E. # ſ Crowborough........................................ ..| 3.82 || 2:19 || 2:48 1.67 || 2:40 || 1:22 || 490 || 1:48 || 1:24 || 4.65 28-16 # { a. Uckfield .......................................... 2.85 | 1.69 || 2:03 || 1:31 || 23 || 2:28 || 1:62 || 1:22 || 3:64 3 F. l, Forest Lodge, Maresfield ............ ... 3.35 | 1.81 || 2:10 || 1:32 '52 || 2:21 2.51 || 1:02 || 4:53 * The observatory is situated 825 feet above the level of the sea, in Latitude 51° 3' 14" North, and in a. From the Register kept by MISS LAURA DAY, Uckfield House. b. , ** , CAPTAIN WM. Noble, F.R.A.S. JANUARY. ture was 2°2 above the average of the last eleven years. During the whole of this month frost was recorded only four times, and on one occasion only to the amount of four degrees. The readings of the barometer were much above the average, although the wind was for the most part westerly. The rainfall was above the average, and the greater part fell during the last week. On the evening of the 25th frequent lightning was visible here, and this was followed by a strong gale and heavy rain throughout the night. There was a slight sprinkling of snow on the morning of the 27th, and one degree of frost. - FEERUARY Was also a mild winter month. The temperature was nearly two degrees above the average. Frost was registered on five nights only, and the lowest reading was on the last morning. The rainfall was less than the average. Southerly winds were the most frequent. Very stormy Weather prevailed on the eleventh, accompanied by thunder and heavy hail. About 2 p.m. on this day the darkness was very unusual for a short time. The barometric fluctuations were trifling, and the total range of its variation was less than an inch. MARCH. This was a very pleasant spring month, although northerly winds were somewhat prevalent. The temperature was two- and-a-half degrees above the average, and the total rainfall slightly in excess, owing to a very heavy rain during the night of the third, which amounted to nearly one inch and a quarter. Several days were almost cloudless, with a very genial warmth. On the 18th the temperature in the rays of the sun was 77°. The equinox passed without any gale. The barometer was low on the 10th and 11th, otherwise the readings varied very little throughout the month. On the 25th some sleet and hail showers fell in the neighbourhood, and a slight frost occurred at night. more than a degree below the average. N.E. winds were very prevalent, and on several nights during the fourth week there were some sharp frosts; but the temperature of ter- restrial radiation was not much below that of the air. The readings of the barometer were rather low, but with slight fluctuation. Rain fell more or less on fourteen days, but in small quantities, and the total for the month was half-an- inch less than the average. The drought, which continued during several subsequent months, may be said to have com- menced at the close of the first week. MAY. This was a very fine and pleasant month, notwithstanding that the wind blew frequently from the N.E. The mean temperature was considerably above the average, and there was an entire absence of frost. The rainfall was not an eighth part of the average, although it fell more or less on seven days. None whatever fell between the 17th and the 3rd of June. The barometer continued high, with but little fluctuation after the first week. The amount of cloud was much less-than the average. Some vivid lightning was *sº the evening of the 12th. Sº - - Sº- - ºr. J C NE --- Was another fine and pleasant month, although the mean temperaſure scarcely equalled the average of the last eleven y The barometer continued high, with but slight –THE winter-of-1883-84 was very mild, and its mean tempera- fluctuation, and its entire range was less than an inch. Rain fell more or less on ten days, and in consequence of some heavy showers, during the first week, the total for the month slightly exceeded the average. The wind was again chiefly from the northward, but very slight in force. Thunder was heard on 7th and 29th. A peculiarly dense haze prevailed on the 20th. JULY. This was a very fine summer month, without any excessive heat or oppressive condition of the atmosphere, either in the sun or in the shade. The mean temperature was 2° above the average. The highest temperature in the shade was 80°2, which is relatively low for the time of year. Rain fell on 15 days, but the several amounts were trifling with the exception of that on the 24th, which was nearly half an inch. The total fall was very nearly three quarters of an inch less than the average of 42 years. Lightning was seen on the 4th and 24th, and on 25th a thunderstorm was visible to the southward. The readings of the barometer were very steady, and above their average value for the season. Winds were for the most part westerly. A UGUST. This was the warmest and most agreeable summer month which has been experienced in the South of England for several years. The number of almost cloudless days was very remarkable. The average amount of cloud at 9 a.m. was only 3:6 (0–10), and the mean temperature was nearly five degrees above the average of the last eleven years. The highest temperature in the shade was 88°9 on the 11th, and in the open air 95°2 on the 8th. Solar radiation in vacuo reached 106°6 on the same day, while a thermometer with a black bulb contrivance rose to 148°5. Less than half the average amount of rain fell, and very little rain (only 13) was registered between July 28th and August 26th. The total fall for the month would have been very small but for some heavy showers which fell on the 27th. The 25th was a very remarkable day. The morning had been warm, and even sultry, and the temperature in the shade reached 78°7. About 2 p.m. the sky became suddenly densely overcast, and at 3 p.m. the darkness was so great that ordinary print could only be read close to a window. The wind was blowing strongly from the N.W. The reduction of temperature was very great : thus, at 2 p.m. on the 24th it was 87°, and at the same hour on this day only 53. The barometer at 9 a.m. fluctuated to the extent of only '594 of an inch throughout the month. Winds were for the most part calm and very equally distributed. SEPTEMBER. This was also a warm and pleasant month. The mean temperature was between three and four degrees above the average. On several days the heat was registered 70° and upwards in the shade, and 80° and upwards in the open air. The 17th was the hottest day. The barometer continued high, with but little variation, with the exception of a depres– sion which accompanied the heavy rain on the 3rd. The rainfall was nearly an inch above the average of many years at Uckfield, 2.75 of which fell during the first four days—a very welcome quantity after so long a drought. I believe it was the South of England only which came in for this rain, and that the drought continued in the North for some time longer. At Crowborough no less than 3:35 inches fell during the four days, 2.06 inches of which fell on the 3rd. Throughout the month the night temperature was remark- ably high for the season. Barnard's comet was visible here on the evening of the 23rd. OCTOBER. - The mean temperature of this month was very close upon the average of the last eleven years ; nevertheless, many days were warm and pleasant. So late as the 16th the tempera- ture in the shade rose to 63°, and to 77° in the sun's rays. Although the night temperature was below the average, yet there was an almost entire absence of frost. The barometer continued very high. The prevalent winds were from N.W. to N.E. The rainfall was about a quarter of the average of many years, although it fell more or less on 14 days. The 10th was the coldest day, and some slight snow showers fell between three and four o'clock in the afternoon. I saw Wolfe's comet for the first during the eclipse of the moon on the 4th. It was not by any means a conspicuous object, even in a telescope, and was of course never visible to the naked eye. NOVEMEER. The mean temperature was rather more than one degree below the average, and some rather sharp frosts occurred during the fourth week, with some snow on 21st and 30th. The high readings of the barometer, which had been so con- spicuous during the previous month, were higher in this. The drought, which may be said to have recurred from the second week in September, continued to the last day of this month. The total fall of rain and melted snow was two- thirds less than the average, and fell on six days only. The most prevalent winds were from N. and E. The sky was much covered by cloud. A brilliant solar halo and purbelion Were observed during the morning of the 30th, which were followed by some heavy showers of snow and sleet during the evening and night. DECEMBER. With the last day of November the long drought, which had prevailed in England since March 10th, may be con- sidered to have ended with the continuous rains which fell during the first three weeks of this month. In the South of England the underground springs began now to rise, and water was no longer a scarcity. The mean temperature was rather more than one degree above the average. With the exception of April, the barometer was lower than during any month of the year. The Winds were for the most part westerly, and gales moderate. The rainfall was an inch and a half above the average, and fell more or less on 21 days at Uckfield. Vivid lightning was visible throughout the night of the 18th, and distant thunder was heard occasionally. LR, E M A. E. ISC S. —º- It may be gathered from the preceding tables and notes that the year 1884 has not been characterised by any period of excessive heat or extreme cold. The mean temperature has been considerably above the average, and decidedly the warmest year, in this county, since 1859, which was warmer than 1884, as were also the years 1846, 1852, and 1857. The most prominent feature of the past year has been the deficient rainfall. From information derived from various sources, I believe that an unusual drought has prevailed over the whole of the British Isles, and that it has been more severe in the North than in the South. For the full report and details upon this subject, we must wait for the issue of the elaborate annual report of G. J. Symons, Esq., F.R.S., respecting the rainfall returns from upwards of 2,000 stations, dispersed over England, Scotland, and Ireland. As I have received so many inquiries con- cerning the late drought, the following local information may be interesting:— In my report of September 10, 1884, I gave some extracts from my Uckfield register relative to the rainfall of the past spring and summer, contrasted with other dry seasons which I have recorded therein, from which it appeared that a greater drought prevailed in the corresponding months of the years 1844, 1847, 1870, and 1874 than in 1884. period, I find results which I have inserted in the following table, and wherein it will be shown that several dryer years have been experienced in this country within our memory, thus:– ANNUAL RAINFALL AT UCKFIELD. 1845 --- --- ... 23.03 inches. 1847 --- --- ... 17°58 , 1854. ... ... ... 23:15 , , 1858 --- --- ... 19:36 , 1884 ... ... ... 23:16 , Referring to the annual amounts of rainfall for a long | The following years were almost as dry as 1884, viz.:- 1844 ... ... ... 23:37 inches. 1855 ... ... ... 23.80 , 1864 ... ... ... 23:48 , The annual deficiency of rainfall during the above- mentioned years respectively, was as follows (calculated from the average of forty-two years):= == 1844 --- --- ... 6.69 inches. 1845 --- --- ... 7:03 , 1847 ... ... ... 12:48 , 1854 --- --- ... 6.91 , 1855 --- --- ... 6.26 ,, 1858 --- --- ... 10-70 , 1864 - - - --- ... 6'58 , 1884 --- --- ... 6:90 , In the years 1847 and 1858 the drought was much more severely felt than in 1884. In the two former years the springs, wells, ponds and watercourses were dried up much earlier than in 1884. Cottagers for some months had great difficulty in obtaining the necessary supply for ordinary purposes. Farmers were put to greater inconvenience and expense, and their water carts were constantly to be met with on the roads coming from long distances. So late even as November, in 1858, wheat-sowing was suspended on account of the very hard and dry condition of the soil, while dust blew along the roads as though it were March. The above inconveniences were experienced to a certain ex- tent only, during the past year, in this immediate locality, and chiefly in consequence of the heavy rains which fell here in September. C. L. PRINCE. The Observatory, Crowborough, Sussex, January 28th, 1885. METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL, KEPT BY C. LEESON PRINCE, F.R.A.S., F.R.MET.S., - - AE quo a n1 mo quod pet is, inventu facile fit. AT IFILS OF3SEERVATORY, C E O W E O ER, O TU G- EI, STJ S S E X. 1886. Jan. Feb. Mar. April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year. Barometer, mean 9 a.m., Sea level ............... 29-687|30,134|29.991. 29.930|29-927 29.995 29.941|30000|30-047|29.805 29.933|29.726, 29.926 ; : (Absolute maximum ........................ 489.0 462.2 65°.2 76°-0 || 75°-6 || 80°-6 || 90°-0 || 85°l 88° 0 || 77°7 59°1 50°.0 90°:0 É É , minimum ........................ 19.5 20.2 | 19.3 || 30-0 || 29-0 || 38-0 || 44-0 || 42.8 39.5 37-7 || 31-0 | 19.2 | 19.2 #: Mean maximum.............................. 40-3 || 38.6 || 47.2 56.8 || 65.2 71.4 || 76.1 || 74.0 71.2 62.1 50.4 || 41.3 57-9 #. , minimum.............................. 28.6 27.6 31:3 || 37.4 42.7 46.3 || 510 || 52-0 || 50:1 || 45.5 35.8 28-7 || 39.9 f : | temperature.” 34°4 || 33-1 || 392 || 47.2 53.9 58.8 63.5 63-0 || 606 || 53.8 43:1 35-0 || 488 #: º, daily range ........................... 117 | 110 | 159 194 225 251 251 220 21:1 | 166 146 126 180 # Solar radiation (in Vacuo), maximum 535 | 55.5 766 87.0 900 91.2 |1028 940 96.7 | 891 691 55.2 1028 3. à U , 5 * ** mean max. 450 42.5 55.5 | 66.4 75.9 83.1 | 88.8 | 840 || 81-0 || 71°1 55-3 || 46.3 662 Terrestrial radiation—minimum ............... 11.3 | 18-6 || 17-3 || 28-0 || 26:6 || 37-7 || 415 || 403 || 38-1 || 34.2 26-4 17.2 11:3 35 -> mean minimum ......... 27.1 26.9 302 || 36.5 | 406 || 44.8 || 484 || 50-6 || 484 || 435 | 34.8 26-6 || 38.2 Mean amount of cloud, 9 a.m. .................. 7.1 7.4 7-3 || 7.7 6-9 || 6-2 || 6-3 || 6-6 || 7-2 6.4 || 7-2 6:0 6'8 Absolute maximum ........................ 47.2 420 61.5 69.5 711 || 74.0 | 830 80.6 830 | 737 57-0 || 49.5 83.0 # re: 35 minimum ........................ 20:8 23.2 20:8 || 31-7 || 31-0 || 391 || 45.0 44.2 41-0 || 392 || 33-2 21.6 20:8 É É Mean maximum.............................. 38.7 || 35.8 || 43.5 52-0 || 59.9 || 65.2 69.8 | 68.6 65-0 || 58:1 47.9 39.9 53.7 3. , minimum.............................. 29.9 28.8 || 32-3 || 38.5 43.8 || 47.2 ſ 52.0 - 529 || 51.2 || 46.6 || 38.9 || 30.2 || 41.0 à g , temperature ........................ 34.3 || 32.3 || 37.9 || 45.2 || 51.8 || 56.2 60.9 607 || 58.1 52.3 || 434 || 35-0 || 473 # -: , daily range ........................... 8:8 7-0 || 112 || 13.5 | 16.1 | 18.0 - 17:8 157 || 13.8 11.5 9:0 9-7 | 12:7 # Temperature at 9 a.m. ..................... 353 32-9 || 39-0 || 46.5 54-2 || 58.8 || 62.9 || 61.9 59.5 53.1 44.8 35.4 || 48.6 #3 32 of dew point, 9 a.m. ... 33.8 30.8 || 37.6 399 || 458 || 493 || 513 546 528 497 || 418 31.8 432 # Elastic force of vapour, 9 a.m. ......... •195 || 173 225 246 || 308 || 352 || 378 426 | 400 || 357 265 | 180 || 292 * Relative humidity, 9 a.m. ............... 94 | 92 || 94 || 77 | 73 70 65 76 78 || 88 | 89 87 | 82 * (N. ................................................ 3 I 3 0 I 3 4. 2 0 0 2 9 28 É N.E. ............................................. 5 19 9 13 8 14 4. 9 11 3 6 I 102 £ E. ................................................ 1 2 2 2 3 0 I O 3 4. I 0 | 19 g ă S.E. ............................................. 6 1 5 3 6 2 I 1 2 8 I I 37 3. { S. ................................................ 1 2 1 0 2 2 4. 6 2 4. 4. 4. 32 # S.W. ............................................. 8 I 11 9 10 3 10 8 10 4. 4. 5 83 # W................................................. 5 || 2 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 4 || 6 || 4 || 2 || 6 || 10 || 9 || 50 É N.W.............................................. 2 0– 0 1 l 2 1 I 0 2 2 2 14 - Crowborough ................................. 487 || 0:67 || 3-11 || 2:28 || 4:18 0.95 || 3:46 || 2:08 || 1:22 || 4:07 || 4:33 5.95 || 37.17 # a Uckfield ................................. 4.4s 0.52 || 2:19 2.42 399 || 0.98 || 3:00 || 1:57 0.82 || 3:99 || 375 || 515 3286 # -: b. Forest Lodge, Maresfield ............ 4.73 || 0:63 || 2:44 || 2:36 || 4-21 1:01 || 2:88 || 2:38 || 0-91 5.65 || 3:87 || 5:58 || 36.65 " ... Mayfield Vicarage ..................... 4.95 || 0:55 || 2:30 || 1:86 || 3:31 0.75 || 3:13 || 2:11 || 0-89 || 376 || 4:12 || 5:22 || 32.95 5 # (Crowborough ................................. 22 9 14 13 15 10 13 13 II. 21 20 23 184 # Uckfield :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: *:::::::: 26. 9 14 - 15 18 9 15 16 12 25 23 24 206 º: -: Forest Lodge ................................. 26 11 - 16 17 17 9 15 - - 14 11 24 24 24 208 º Mayfield Vicarage ........................... 20 6 13 12 14 7 13 12 9 21 18 18 163 The observatory is situated 825 feet above the level of the sea, in Latitude 51° 3' 14" North, and in Longitude 0° 9' 30" East. a. From the Register kept by Miss LAURA DAY, Uckfield House. - - - b. , " , CAPTAIN WM. Noble, F.R.A.S. - - THE REV. H. T. M. KIRBy. - TR B. M. A TR, TX S. The first four days of the new year were mild and very damp, the atmosphere being almost saturated with moisture. The 5th was finer, but colder. - The long frost commenced here on JANUARY 6th, on which day the highest temperature in the shade was only 32°, and heavy snow had fallen during the previous night to the depth of seven inches, which proved to be the greatest depth during the entire winter, as on subsequent occasions the amount was very trifling. This particular fall of snow clung very tenaciously to the evergreen shrubs and trees, to the great injury of many of them. The greatest cold during the month of January was 19°5 in the open air, and 20°.8 in the shade. Notwithstanding the low temperature, a considerable amount of rain fell, more or less, on twenty-two days; and the total quantity exceeded the average for the month by 1-62 inches. The readings of the barometer were fluctuating, and the mean height as much as '327 of an inch below the average. - The sharp frost on the night of the 11th, after some rainfall during the day, rendered the roads on the 12th more coated with firm ice than I had observed for many years past, so that throughout the day walking or driving was almost impossible, except upon quite level ground. About noon of the 13th quite a hurricane of wind passed over this district, but it was of short duration. Some rain and hail fell, and the subsequent night was rather windy, with keen frost. On the 20th the severe hoar frost coated evergreen shrubs with unusually long spicules of rime. At this time a considerable fall of snow oc- curred at Brighton, but there was not any at Crowborough. On the 21st, however, snow fell here to the depth of about two inches, and was succeeded by sharp frost at night, when the temperature fell to 22°5. From this date there was a steady continuance of frost to the last day of the month, when the weather became stormy and wet, with a considerable fall of the barometer. Although the frost during this month was so continuous, yet it was never remarkable for that intensity which we have recorded in some previous cold winters. The above remark will apply equally to FEBRUARY, although its mean temperature had not been so low, and the frost so persistent, since the year 1855, which was one of the coldest Februaries on record. It was the coldest month of the winter, and frost was recorded for every night but three. During the latter half of the month the wind prevailed steadily from the N.E., without changing its direction for a single day. With respect to the lowest actual temperature, the Hill main- tained its usual moderate condition. The coldest night was the 8th, when the temperature fell to 23°2, or rather less than nine degrees of frost. The highest day temperature was 46°2 on the 2nd. The barometer continued high, with but little fluctuation after the first three days. The amount of rainfall and melted snow was very small in this district, and amounted to less than an inch in depth, at Crowborough, for the entire month, although it fell more or less on nine days. N.E. winds prevailed on 19 days. After the termination of our appointed winter months, however, the frost rather increased than abated, while its per- sistence and unseasonable severity, during the first eighteen days of MARCH, were very remarkable, and certainly unpre- cedented for many years. On two occasions during these eighteen days the cold was greater than in February, especially during the nights of the sixth and fifteenth, when the temperature fell to 20°8 and 22°8 respectively, as shown by a pro- tected thermometer, while frost occurred more or less every night. At this period, when scarcely any snow fell at Crow- borough, violent snow-storms and still more severe frosts were frequent in various parts of England and Scotland, which caused serious impediments both to railway and ordinary locomotion. In London and its suburbs the frost was so severe that a visitor to the Parks might record the probably unprecedented fact, within living memory, of seeing hundreds of persons enjoying the luxury of skating during the third week of March. The change to milder temperature, with some rainfall, came rather suddenly on the 19th, and the frost was at an end. Snow or rain fell on March 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th. On the latter day the falling snow had crystallized into a very beautiful fern-like form without any of the usual hexagons. During the last twelve days of March the weather became very mild, and a considerable quantity of rain fell. The 30th was a very stormy day, and the wind increased to a gale during the afternoon and evening. The mean temperature of the entire month was three degrees below the average. An agreeable change of temperature occurred during the entire month of APRIL, although the mean did not exceed the average. The 10th was the only day which could be considered cold, for the season, and this was followed by a fall of snow on the 11th. The remainder of the month was fine, with very little rain, and the readings of the barometer rather high for the time of year. During the first ton days of MAY the weather was fine, without any rain, and on five days the sky was almost cloudless. This fine weather terminated with the very heavy rainfall on the 12th, and the remainder of the month was rather gloomy, with frequent heavy rain, particularly from the 20th to 27th, both inclusive. The total fall was double the average, but this was in great measure due to the large quantity which fell on the 12th. The mean temperature was rather above the average. Thunderstorms occurred in this district on 19th, 21st, and 22nd. - Although the mean temperature of JUNE was so nearly the average, yet it was by no means a pleasant summer month, the weather being often gloomy and cold. It was, however, a very dry month, the rainfall being less than half the average of a long series of years. The N.E. wind was the most prevalent. The mean temperature of JULY was below the average, and, with the exception of the first week, the weather was upon the whole cool, and ungenial for the time of year. The rainfall was above the average, and the greater part fell during the second and fourth weeks. A heavy thunderstorm visited this district on the last day, when the lightning struck a house at Mayfield, inflicting a considerable amount of damage. A brilliant prismatic solar halo was seen in this neighbourhood on the 20th. The mean temperature of AUGUST was somewhat below the average, and the rainfall also, although it fell more or less on thirteen days. The readings of the barometer were very steady, with but little fluctuation, and their mean somewhat above the average. The warmest weather occurred during the last week, when the night temperature was particularly high for the time of year. Some lightning was visible during the evening of the 23rd. The first few days of SEPTEMBER were very warm and summerlike; the highest temperature in the shade on the 1st was as high as 83°, and even on the 14th it was upwards of 80°. Upon the whole the weather was very agreeable through- out the month, and the atmosphere very calm until the 27th, when we had a moderate gale from the S.W. Considerable electrical disturbance occurred here on the 3rd and 4th. The N.E. wind was the most frequent, particularly at the period of the equinox ; indeed it was constant from the 18th to 25th, both inclusive. The mean temperature was two degrees above the average, and as to the rainfall it was less than half the average quantity. The mean temperature of 00TOBER was upwards of three degrees above the average. The high daily temperature during the first week was very remarkable, and exceeded the average for June. It was the warmest October which has been experienced in the South of England since the year 1865. The highest temperature in the shade was 73°7 on the 4th, and on the 1st and 5th it was upwards of 70°. The temperature of the sun's rays (ther. in vacuo) during the first six days varied between 80°2 and 89°1. The highest temperature shown by the same instrument in June was only 91°2. The night temperature was also high, and the entire month passed away without the slightest trace of frost upon this Hill. Northerly winds were almost absent, and the most prevalent were from the S.E. The rainfall was below the average, although rain fell more or less on 21 days. S.W. gales occurred on the 12th and 15th. Frequent lightning was visible to the westward on 19th and 20th. NOVEMBER was also a mild month, and the mean temperature a little above the average. Slight frosts occurred on the 8th and 19th, but upon the whole the temperature was very uniform and seasonable. A large quantity of rain fell during the first 16 days, and the total for the month exceeded the average. Westerly winds were the most prevalent. DECEMBER. The mean temperature was rather more than two degrees below the average, and the month, altogether, was very cold and rainy. Frost occurred on every night but six, and rain fell more or less on 23 days, so that the total quantity for the month was nearly double the average. On the 5th a very fine prismatic solar halo (A B C) was visible here at 10.20 a.m. for about twenty minutes. The mock suns at D and E, as well as the inverted segment of a secondary halo, were brilliantly prismatic. The most remarkable portion of the phenomenon was the small diameter (six degrees) of the segment H I K, while the diameter of the primary was exactly 45°. A gale from S.W. occurred during the evening and night of the 6th, but a much more severe one followed during the night of the 7th and early morning of the 8th. At 9 p.m. on the latter day the - reading of my barometer was lower than I had ever previously p 6. observed, viz., 28.400 inches at sea level. This gale continued " more or less violent until noon of the 9th. The weather was also very stormy on the 11th. Another gale occurred during the early morning of the 15th, with some heavy rain. Lightning was visible over the English Channel during the evening. The 26th was a stormy, boisterous day, and at 4 p.m. snow commenced falling, and the wind increased in violence until it blew a gale from the eastward during the evening and from the northward during the night, with very heavy rain and snow alternating. The total C - quantity which fell during the storm was 1.83 inch at Crowborough and 1:55 inch at Uckfield. Between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. the barometer fell from 29-920 inches to 29-073, reduced to sea level. This storm had very disastrous effects throughout the kingdom. The barometer rose considerably on the 31st, and the month ended with very cold, wintry weather, a clear sky, and a northerly wind. - EI • I C. L. PRINCE. The Observatory, Crowborough Sussex, January 17th, 1887. TEIE SUMMA EY - - KEPT BY C. LEESON PRINCE, F.R.A.S., F.R.M.E.T.S., sºurºcºtºzºº, AE quo animo quod, petis, inventu facile fit. ºś rºsa'ºzºº.ºrºzºa. - CERO W B O ER O U Gº H, S Uss Ex. issi. Jan. Feb. Mar. April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year. Barometer, mean 9 a.m., sea level ............... 3000 30-347|30.083. 29.999 30.016|30, 189| 30-062. 29.996. 29.9SS 30.108 29,710 29.892. 30.035 al, º Absolute maximum ........................ 50°:0 54-6 | 59.6 71°0 | 73-0 | 87°0 93.4 93.5 71°5 65's 57°2 50.5 93.5 É # º minimum ........................ 14:0 22*2 | 18-3 || 25-0 || 31.4 40-0 || 41.1 || 41.6 || 36-4 26-0 || 24-0 || 20-1 14:0 º É Mean maximum.............................. 39.7 44.8 || 48-7 || 55’2 61.5 | 73-7 || 81.5 78-0 || 65.5 55-3 || 457 409 || 57-5 : , minimum.............................. 28:9 || 30-8 29-3 || 33-0 || 39-6 || 48-0 || 51.2 49.6 44-6 || 36.6 || 34.2 29.6 37.9 º # º, temperature........................... 343 || 37.8 || 39-0 || 44.1 || 50-5 60:8 | 66.3 63.8 || 55-0 || 45.9 || 39.9 || 35.2 47.7 # , daily range ........................... 10.8 || 14-0 | 19.4 22:2 21:9 25-7 || 30-3 || 28.4 20.9 | 18.7 11.5 11.3 19:6 # Solar radiation (in Vacuo), maximum 57.2 638 70-0 || 822 84.4 99.5 | 103.0 | 104.6 || 81°5 S1.1 | 66-0 || 55.2 1046 # = { .. 55 55 mean max. 43.9 50.4 58.3 | 66-0 || 70.8 83.1 | 91.7 | 88.6 || 74-7 || 62.8 50.4 44-6 || 65.4 Terrestrial radiation—minimum, ............... 11.2 | 19.2 | 15.9 24-0 || 30-0 || 39-3 || 39-0 || 38-1 || 34-0 || 23-8 || 18.4 16:1 11.2 35 27 mean minimum ......... 27.0 28-7 || 27-8 || 31.5 384 || 45.7 || 48-7 || 46.5 43:1 || 34.3 || 31.2 27.4 35.8 - - Mean amount of cloud, 9 a.m. .................. 8:0 6'5 7.I. 5'2 8'2 5'8 5'1 5:6 7.3 6'4. 7.5 8'2 6-7 ºn Absolute maximum ........................ 47.5 51.1 55-0 || 65-0 || 67.0 | S1-0 || 86.8 - sº 66'2 62-5 ºs 50-0 || 86.8 § rº , minimum ........................ 165 250 21:1 27.4 || 330 423 440 || 45.3 || 39-0 || 280 27.1 225 | 16.5 # i Mean maximum.............................. 380 || 423 445 50.5 59.5 | 684 || 748 || 71.5 603 || 510 || 440 39.6 537 º º , minimum.............................. 30.2 32.3 || 31°1 34.6 41-0 || 49.3 53.5 52.5 46.1 || 38.4 35.9 31-6 || 39.7 #: , temperature ........................ 34:1 37-3 || 378 42.5 502 || 588 641 62-0 || 51.2 447 | 400 35.6 46.5 op E ºf 5 : º, daily range ........................... 7-8 10-0 || 13:4 15.9 IS-5 | 19.1 21.3 19-0 || 14-2 | 12.6 8:1 8-0 || 14-0 \,. # Temperature, 9 a.m......................... 34.9 37-7 || 37.9 44.2 50.2 61-6 || 67.0 | 64-0 || 54.8 || 45.5 | 408 || 36.2 47-9 # 35 of dew point, 9 a.m. ... 32.5 334 33.6 35-3 || 42.8 || 51.9 54.8 || 51.2 47.7 39.9 || 37.9 33.5 41'2 ää Elastic force of vapour, 9 a.m. ......... •184 191 193 206 || 275 .387 430 || 377 || 331 246 228 192 270 E- Relative humidity, 9 a.m. ............... 90 | 84 | 84 70 75 70 65 63 77 80 89 89 78 (N. ................................................ 1 || 0 || 8 || 10 5 2 3 5 || 0 || 11 I 5 || 51 s N.E. ............................................. 8 15 11 || || | 16 || 15 9 5 10 || 7 || 13 || 8 || 128 # E. ..….................................. 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 5 || 1 || 0 || 3 || 0 || 15 - # ă. S.E. ............................................. 4. 2 1 |-0 || 1 I () •) O () I () 12 == S. ................................................ 9 3 0 | 1 () () || 4 || 3 2 2 1 2 27 # S.W. ............................................. 3 || 5 || 4 || 6 || 4 || 4 || 12 || 4 || 10 || 2 || 7 || 6 || 67 # W............................ --------------------- 4 || 3 || 4 || 1 || 2 || 5 || 3 || 5 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 8 || 46 N.W.............................................. | | 0 I I 2 2 () •) 3 5 () 2 19 (Crowborough ........................ ......... 3:23 0.76 | 1.86 | 1.82 || 2:05 || 1-09 || 0:64 || 3:26 || 4:24 | 1.61 || 5'87 2.80 29:23 a. Eridge Castle ........................... 2.94 0.86 || 2:17 || 2:11 || 2:55 || 0-80 || 0-74 || 2:62 3.97 | 1.91 5'63 || 2:39 28-69 = # 6. Mayfield Vicarage ..................... 2.74 || 0:84 || 1:86 || 1:87 | 1.78 || 0.95 || 0:50 2.91 || 3:47 | 1.74 5:23 || 2:51 26:40 # 3 c. Forest Lodge, Maresfield ........... 2.85 0.69 || 1:74 || 1:53 || 1:72 0.93 || 0:66 || 2:85 || 3:30 || 1:52 5'62 || 2:56 2597 * = |d. Uckfield.................................... 277 0.81 | 1.63 || 1:40 | 1.75 || 0-81 || 0:57 || 3:18 || 3:28 || 1:47 468 || 2:81 25-16 || e. Fletching ................................. 2.79 0.78 || 1:62 || 1:76 | 1.70 || 0-82 || 0-80 || 2:79 2.96 || 1:40 || 5'27 || 2:47 25°16 \f. Lewes .................................... 2-66 0.92 || 1:31 || 1:61 || 1:35 | 1:53 || 0:41 || 2:87 || 4:00 || 1:22 || 5'24 || 2:37 |25:40 Crowborough ................................. 14 10 | 12 | 12 || 17 || 2 || 7 || 9 || 16 || 12 26 18 155 º: , ; Bridge Castle................ 2..…. 15 6 12 11 19 2 7 7 15 12 23 10 || 139 . Mayfield Vicarage ........................... 15 7 13 10 15 2 7 10 13 13 21 || 15 141 㺠{-Forest Lodge, Maresfield: 15– + 11 || 15 ==12–H–15 || 3 |=9–|=10 | 17 | 14 || 23 21 | 165 # Uckfield ..................... .. .. ... 17 | 11 I2 13 15 2 8 11 14. 13 26 || 23 165 2 : Fletching................... ----------- 13 8 14 11 15 3 8 9 15 10 2I 19 146 (Lewes .......................................... 9 5 10 11 12 2 5 11 13 8 17 12 || 115 The Observatory is situated 825 ft. above the level of the sea, in Latitude 51°3' 14" North, and in Longitude 0°9' 30" East of Greenwich. a. From the Register kept by MR, RUST, Eridge Castle Gardens. - wº 17 -> THE REV. H. T. M. KIRBy -- -- -- CAPTAIN WM. No BLE, F.R.A.S. -- -> -- MISS LAURA DAY, Uckfield House. -> - -> ,, DR. TREUTLER, F.R.Met.S. -> - » -- J. G. BRADEN, ESQ. GENERAL REMARKS. As the mean temperature of nine of the twelve months of the year 1887 was below the average of many years, it would not have been a matter of surprise had the year been pronounced a very ungenial one for both animal and vegetable life, and such would assuredly have been the case had not the brilliancy and warmth of the three summer months counteracted, to a o certain extent, its otherwise unfavourable conditions. As it was, the mean temperature of the year was only grazºº/, degree warmer than the disastrous year 1879, a result which must be chiefly attributed to the great cold of the months of April, September and October, the temperature of the former having been as much as four degrees, and the two latter five degrees below their respective averages. So great a departure from their usual temperature exerted a great influence upon the mean of the whole year. There was also another circumstance which contributed to the maintenance of a low temperature, viz., the extraordinary prevalence of N.E. wind during more than one-third of the year, for it was recorded on no less than 128 days, a frequency which was more than double the average of thirty years. - But the most remarkable meteorological feature of the year was the long summer drought, associated as it was with a very agreeable, but never abnormally high temperature, from the first week in June to the third week in August. The following statement gives the only instances, since 1841, of a longer absolutely rainless period than was recorded in June and July, which clearly shows the rarity of the occurrence (at Uckfield):— RAINLESS PERIODS. - Year. Began. Ended. Continued. 1842. June 30. Aug. 9. 41 days. 1844. Nov. 18. Dec. 18. 31 , . 1846. May 21. June 22. 33 , 1887. June 4. July 3. 30 ,, A remaikably dry time occurred in the year 1852, when no rain fell between Feb. 29th and March 28th, a period of 29 days, nor from March 31st to April 27th, a period of 28 days, while from Feb. Ioth to May 17th, both inclusive, a period of 98 days, rain fell but on seven occasions, and the total amount was only I'oZ inch. Eventually, however, the rainfall of 1852 was the largest I ever recorded in one year, and in all probability it exceeded that of any year during the present century, in the South of England. The following table gives the only instances wherein the total consecutive rainfall of spring and summer was less than in 1887 (at Uckfield):— - Year. Spring. Summer. Total Inches. 1844. 2.87. 4'49. 7:36. 1847. 2.99. – 3:07. -6-06. Hº- 1870. 3.09. 4'60. 7-69. 1874. 3.57. 4-65. 8'22. 1884. 3'57. 5'12. 8-69. 1887. 478. 4'56. 9'34. Average of Q - - - 43 years 5 5-65. 6'91. 12:56. JANUARY. —With the exception of the first two days of the New Year the weather was very cold and gloomy. A mean temperature of 1°5 below the freezing point prevailed to the 17th inclusive, and the temperature of the entire month was 2°5 below the average of many years. After a fall of snow on the 17th the wind veered suddenly to the southward, which induced a considerable rise of temperature, and this continued for the most part during the remainder of the month. This change of wind was followed by a rise of the barometer, which is somewhat unusual, when occurring from the north- ward, and the reduced reading on the morning of the 21st was as high as 30-69 I inches. The rainfall was slightly below the average, but the chief part of the precipitation consisted of the snow which fell during the first fortnight. Gales occurred on the 3rd and I Ith from the S.E. A fine prismatic corona surrounded the moon on the night of the 8th, and a solar halo was visible during the afternoon of the 14th. FEBRUARY. —The mean temperature of this month was very slightly below the average. Many days were warm and pleasant, more particularly during the last week, but there were some rather sharp frosts during the second and third weeks, which considerably reduced the mean monthly temperature. N.E. winds were recorded on no less than fifteen days. The readings of the barometer were high throughout, and the maximum of 30739 inches occurred on the morning of the 7th. The month was very dry, and the total rainfall less than half the average. A gale was prevalent on the 3rd, during which the barometer continued rising, and on the morning of the 4th its reading was as high as 30'387 inches. A fine lunar halo was visible at 9 p.m. of the 5th. The only occasion on which Snow fell was a slight shower on the I Ith. MARCH.-This month was cold and wintry with a great prevalence of N. and N.E. winds. Its mean temperature was rather more than two degrees below the average, and on several nights the frosts were severe for the time of year. Rain or snow fell on twelve days, but the total fall was below the average. Gales occurred on 21st and 22nd. The latter part of the month was somewhat finer and warmer, with variable winds, but some Snow fell during the night of the 31st. APRIL.-With the exception of the year 1879 the weather had not been so cold in the month of April since 1860, which was about the coldest April on record. The mean temperature was upwards of four degrees below the average. The rainfall was also below the average, and scarcely any rain fell before the 21st, nearly all previous precipitation having been in the form of sleet or snow. N. and N.E. winds were again very prevalent, inducing a very dry condition of the air and a mean diurnal difference of 9°1 between its temperature and that of the Dew Point at 9 a.m. On the mornings of the 18th and 19th this dryness of the air was very remarkable, and caused the temperature of the Dew Point to be as much as 20° below it. A series of gales from the N.E. were almost continuous on the 5th, 6th and 7th, with occasional showers of sleet or snow in small quantities. The barometric readings fluctuated between 29-333 inches on the 24th and 30.706 on the 17th. At the close of the month vegetation generally was more backward than I ever remember to have seen it, and such a continuously low temperature at night has not been observed during April, in this county, for at least half a century. MAY.—The mean temperature of this month was below the average to the extent of nearly two degrees. This low temperature, accompanied as it was by a too frequently overcast sky and an extraordinary prevalence of N.E. winds, had a most depressing influence upon animal and vegetable life. The rainfall was below the average, although showers were frequent, especially during the third week. The readings of the barometer were above their average value, and their variation throughout the month amounted to only '899 of an inch. A gale passed over on the 19th, and the wind was very boisterous on the 20th, with showers of sleet and snow. The morning of the 21st was comparatively mild, but at 3 p.m. Some showers of sleet and hail fell, and at 4 p.m. the wind shifted from S. to N.W. and some heavy cumuli and nimbi came up from that quarter with heavy showers of hail, sleet and snow, so that by 5 p.m. grass fields, roofs of houses, and all good radiating surfaces became covered with snow and presented quite a wintry appearance, while the temperature fell suddenly from 47° to 32°5, which was remarkably low so late in the month, and proved injurious to some fruit blossoms, which had already been injured by the gale on the 19th. During the last week vegetation slowly advanced, notwithstanding the cold and ungenial winds. The wheat crop looked well. Apple trees just showing blossom. JUNE.—This month, probably, will long be remembered for its brilliancy, genial warmth, and great drought after the third day, notwithstanding which its actual mean temperature but slightly exceeded the average of many years. The rain- fall was less than half the average, all of which fell on the 2nd and 3rd. The barometer continued very steadily high after the fourth day, and the month's mean was higher (June, 1865, excepted) than I have ever recorded for June. The first day was warm and pleasant, but the 2nd and 3rd were much colder, with 78 of an inch of rain on the former and 31 on the latter day. From this date throughout the entire month we had uninterrupted summer weather, notwithstanding the prevalence of N.E. wind, which on this occasion served merely to give a pleasant freshness to the air without unpleasantly chilling it. The heat was not excessive at any time, and the maximum temperature in the shade reached 81° on one day only, while a fully exposed thermometer registered 87°, and another, in vacuo, 99° 5. On the afternoon of the 9th the sky was ornamented in all directions by varied and beautiful specimens of the Cirrus cloud, which, however, all disappeared before sunset. This form of cloud was conspicuous on several occasions during the month. - JULY.—The fine summer weather which prevailed in June was continuous throughout this month. With the exception of one day, the 4th, the heat was never oppressive. The highest temperature registered in the shade was 86°.8; by an exposed thermometer 93°4, and by another, in vacuo, Iog”. The mean was three degrees above the average, and although the mean daily range amounted to 21°3 yet the lowest night temperature fell on four occasions only below 50°. The rainfall amounted to only one-fourth of the average of 45 years. The barometer was continuously high with but slight variation. With respect to the wind, the polar and equatorial currents were nearly equally prevalent, and the only interruption to the usually calm state of the air occurred for a few hours on the 26th. After the great heat of the 4th the moon assumed a peculiar golden hue at her rising, and I noticed the same appearance on the succeeding evening. A thunder storm was seen to the northward during the evening of the 16th. On many occasions a very dense haze pervaded the landscape, so that objects comparatively near were rendered very indistinct. AUGUST.-The fine summer weather which commenced on June 4th continued without any important interruption to the morning of the 17th of this month, when a thunder storm came up from S.W., with heavy rain, which terminated the long summer drought. The mean temperature was two degrees above the average. The 7th and 8th were the two warmest days, when the temperature in the shade exceeded 84°. On the former day a bright bulb thermometer in vacuo registered Io.4°6. Upon the whole the temperature was very pleasant to the 17th, without any excessive heat. The air on several occasions was remarkably dry, particularly on the 6th, 7th and 8th. Thus at 1 p.m. on the 6th the temperature of the Dew Point below that of the air was 32°2; on the 7th, 26°5; and on the 8th, 30°3!! The rainfall, chiefly on account of the heavy rains on the 17th and 30th, was rather above the average. The wind was very equally distributed. A rather severe gale occurred during the night of the 30th, and the weather on the following day was very boisterous with occasional showers. On the 22nd numerous small meteors emanated from the constellation Aquila. The harvest was very early in this county, and a considerable quantity of corn was secured in excellent condition and of good quality. SEPTEMBER.—The commencement of this month was stormy and wet. A severe gale occurred during the night of the Ist, and continued, with more or less violence, all day of the 2nd, which wrought such considerable damage to the hop gardens that several, in exposed situations, were scarcely worth the picking. The heavy rain too on the night of the 3rd tended still further to increase the mischief. The mean temperature of the month was very low ; indeed, it had not been so low since September, 1863. It was as much as five degrees below the average. The total rainfall was nearly half-an-inch more than usual. The wind was very nearly equally distributed, but chiefly from N.E. and S.W., the former being very constant at the period of the equinox. A slight thunder storm occurred on the 6th, and very vivid lightning was observed to the S.E. on the morning of the 29th. The fruit crop was very partial this autumn, and had been seriously injured by the gales on August 31st and September 2nd. Apples and pears did not keep well, when gathered, which may perhaps be accounted for by their having received too suddenly a large quantity of moisture after the long drought. OCTOBER,-This month was also very cold, and an early fall of snow occurred on the 11th. The mid-day temperature was frequently low for the time of year, and sharp frost was recorded rather frequently during the latter half of the month ; consequently, the mean temperature was five degrees below the average of many years. The readings of the barometer were somewhat high until the last few days. The rainfall was two inches and a half below the average. The only /eavy rain fell during the severe gale on the 29th. At 9 a.m. on the 12th the atmosphere was very cold and dry for the month of October, the wet bulb thermometer being four degrees and the Dew Point ten degrees lower than the air. Northerly winds were the most prevalent, and were very keenly felt on many days. NOVEMBER was a cold, gloomy wet month, and the mean temperature one degree and a quarter below the average. After the first week the mid-day temperature was low, while at night several severe frosts were experienced. The N.E. wind was again extremely prevalent. A severe S.W. gale was blowing from the afternoon of the 1st to the morning of the 3rd, with but little intermission. On the evening of the latter day the wind again increased almost to a gale, and frequent vivid lightning was observed during the night. Another but moderate gale occurred during the evening of the 5th, for some hours, also a more severe one during the night of the 26th. The rainfall was one inch and a half above the average of 45 years, and was very heavy on the 2nd, 7th, and 28th. On and after the 16th I noticed some very fine glows upon the aqueous vapour near the horizon both before sunrise and after sunset, which reminded me very forcibly of the splendid displays which I observed during the winter of 1883-84. DECEMBER.—The mean temperature was two degrees and a half below the average, the sky much covered by cloud, and showers of rain and snow were frequent. From the 18th to 31st a somewhat severe frost continued with a very cold northerly wind. The 8th was a very boisterous day; a gale was recorded from the S.E. on the 12th and from the S.W. on the 14th and 16th. On the 14th heavy rain fell after the subsidence of the gale. The month's rainfall was very slightly above the average. On various occasions both before sunrise and after sunset the aqueous vapour near the horizon, and for several degrees above it, exhibited even more brilliant hues than I had observed in November. Upon every cloudless morning during the months of November and December the planet VENUS appeared a lovely and conspicuous object above the S.E. horizon while pursuing her path at first toward, and subsequently from, the point of her extreme western elongation. The late dark winter mornings gave the lady planet a great opportunity of displaying her beautiful rays; but as to the late . excitement, occasioned by her brilliant appearance, it conveyed an intimation which would not be satisfactory to well upon. C. L. PRINCE. THE OBSERVATORY, CROWBOROUGH, SUSSEX, February 2nd, 1888. TIEITED STU M M A ER Y OF A METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL, 4. KEPT BY C. LEES ON PRINCE, F.R.A.S., F. R. MET. S., 4%, ’º, º 5|| AE quo a nimo quod petis, inventu facile fit. AT HIS OBSERVATORY, C ER, O VV B O THR, O U G- EI. STU S S THE XI. | S 9 O. 2- _- 1890. Barometer, mean 9 a.m., sea level.................. , , , ſ Absolute maximum ........................ É º *: minimum ........................... r; 5 - § o Mean maximum .............................. 3, 5 - - § 3 ; , IIlllllllllllll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . º,+, × q) º sº , temperature ........................... 5 + - 3 * , daily range ........................... - QD 2.5 - - - - - ă E Solar radiation (in Vacuo), maximum... 35 C. - H E \- 77 -> 2: IIleall ......... Terrestrial radiation—minimum .................. 11 II.168 Il . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - Mean amount of cloud, 9 a.m. (0.10)............ No. of Fine Nights for Astronomical Obser- | vations, including Moonlight Nights ſ Absolute maximum........................... 2: minimum ........................... Mean maximum .............................. º, minimum .............................. , temperature ........................... & , daily range ........................... Temperature, 9 a.m. ........................ *: of dew point, 9 a.m. ... Elastic force of vapour.............. ... • - - - - - U Relative humidity ........................... ---------------------------------------------------- : S ------------------------------------------------ ſ Crowborough | Jan. Feb. | Mar. April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year. 29.976. 30.203, 29.875|29:823, 29.844; 30.032 29-916|29-904|30:181|30-131|29.888|30.043|29.984 53°1 53° 0 | 64°1 69°0 |80°-2 || 79°4 | 84°-0 || 82°.4 |80°-5 |70°-8 589-0 || 429.7 | 840.0 25.3 23:1 12-0 || 27.8 || 33-3 || 35-0 | 40.4 || 39-0 || 38-0 || 24.4 || 8-6 || 13-0 || 8.6 46-6 44.8 52.2 56.7 | 68-0 || 67.8 717 | 71.9 || 722 || 59.1 || 48.2 32.9 57.6 35-0 || 30-4 || 33-1 || 35.8 || 42°4 45°4 || 48.9 49.7 49.9 || 41.9 35.2 || 23.5 39.2 40:8 || 37-6 || 42-6 || 46’2 55’2 56.6 60:3 60:8 || 61-0 || 50.5 || 41.7 || 28.2 4s. 11-6 || 14-4 19:1 20.9 25-6 22.4 22.8 22-2 22.3 17.2 13-0 || 9.4 | 18.4 60-0 | 62-0 | 73.7 80.2 88.9 90-0 | 95.4 92-0 | 91.6 || 79.2 64-0 || 48-0 || 95.4 49.8 || 510 | 60:1 63.9 || 78-2 77-7 || 802 | 82.4 80.9 | 66.3 53.5 || 36.2 || 65.0 23-0 || 21.8 8-7 24'4 28-8 28-7 || 37-7 || 36.8 || 36-0 22.5 || 3-2 || 10-3 || 3:2 33.5 28-6 || 30-4 || 33-6 || 38.8 43°4 || 47.4 || 47.8 || 48.8 || 38-1 || 32.9 21.3 || 37.0 6-6 || 6-0 || 5-6 || 6’1 5:7 8-1 || 8-1 || 6-6 || 5.9 5.8 || 6-6 || 7.7 || 6.5 4 13 16 11 16 9 9 13 11 13 8 9 || 132 51-0 || 48.2 60-0 || 62-0 || 74.5 74.4 || 76-0 || 76.8 || 75-0 || 69.2 55.5 || 39.5 || 76.8 27-9 24-7 | 15.8 29-8 35-7 || 38-0 || 42.6 || 41.1 | 40-0 || 27-3 || 11-3 || 14-8 || 11.3 45.4 || 41.4 || 48.2 51.9 62.2 62-7 || 64.6 66-7 | 66-7 || 56-0 || 46.4 || 31.7 || 53-6 364 31.8 34.8 37°2 44-0 || 46.8 500 508 || 510 || 42.1 36.6 25.1 |405 40.9 || 36.6 || 415 || 44.5 53:1 54-5 || 57-3 || 58-7 || 58.8 || 49-0 || 41.5 28.4 || 47.0 9-0 | 9-6 || 13.4 || 14-7 | 18-2 | 16.4 || 14-6 || 15.9 15-7 || 13-9 || 9:8 || 6-6 || 13.1 415 || 36.4 || 42.9 || 46.9 || 56-0 || 56-3 || 59.4 || 59.5 || 60.6 || 50-6 || 42.1 || 29-0 || 48.4 39.9 || 32.9 38.2 38.8 46.9 || 49.4 || 49.6 53.8 54-7 || 45.1 || 39:7 || 25-3 || 42.8 246 is 250 231 392 || 358 356 || 414 '428 || 300 244 || 137 .287 94 | 87 83 || 71 || 71 || 77 || 70 || 81 81 81 91 || 85 81 2 4 3 4 2 2 4 6 I 5 8 1 || 42 1 9 5 12 4 I 4 2 2 || 17 | 68 2 8 1 3 0 0 0 2 5 2 1 9 || 33 0 4 1 3 5 I 0 2 3 I 2 1 || 23 6 () 2 2 || 4 3 2 1 4 3 0 1 28 10 3 || 11 7 5 || 10 || 11 9 9 || 10 5 2 92 9 0 6 1 1 8 6 || 7 3 7 || 11 0 59 I 0 2 2 2 2 7 0 2 I I 0 | 20 3.87 || 1:12 || 2:88 || 3:00 | 1.62 || 3:26 || 4:19 || 4:02 || 0-85 | 1.71 || 4-27 || 0-74 |31-53 4-17 || 0:58 || 2:69 || 2:87 | 1.91 2.97 || 3:62 || 3:14 || 1:05 || 1:08 || 4:51 || 0-94 |29-53 3.48 || 1:21 || 2:53 || 2:75 || 1:42 3'58 || 3:55 || 3.85 || 1:02 || 1:22 || 3:60 || 0-65 28-86 3:25 || 1:45 || 2:49 || 2:74 | 1.97 || 2:94 || 3:65 || 3-64 || 1:07 || 2:65 || 3:74 || 0-63 |30-22 3:17 | 1.38 || 2:22 || 3:19 || 1:79 || 486 || 3:83 || 3:06 || 1:22 || 1:62 || 3:56 || 0-72 |30-62 274 || 1:15 || 2:04 || 2:61 || 2:14 || 2:00 || 3:69 375 || 1:09 || 1:35 | 3:40 || 0:48 |27'04 3:33 || 1:36 || 2:71 || 2.95 | 1.73 || 3:09 || 3:39 || 3:90 || 1:01 | 1.68 || 3.70 || 0-95 |29.80 a. Eridge Castle b. Mayfield Vicarage K c. d. Bryckden, Waldron .................."... e. Uckfield .................................... Forest Lodge, Maresfield ............ U.f. Warbleton Rectory ..................... The Observatory is situated 825 feet above the level of the sea. a. From the Register kept by Mr. RUST, Eridge Castle Gardens. b. 2x 17 22 0. 20 72 72 The Rev. H. T. M. KIRBY. Capt. W.M. No BLE, F.R.A.S. Latitude, 51° 3' 14° North, d. From the Register kept by Dr. GRAHAM. 0. » » 2: f. ºx 27 22 Miss LAURA DAY. Longitude, 0° 9' 30" East. The Rev. R. G. PENNY. GENERAL REMARKS. JANUARY. —The year commenced cold and frosty until the afternoon of the 3rd, when a sudden increase of temperature occurred, and very little frost was recorded during the remainder of the month. Its mean temperature was about 1°5 above the average, with a great prevalence of Westerly winds, very dense fogs, and the atmosphere more frequently saturated with moisture than I have observed for some years past. Rain fell more or less on 24 days, but the total quantity was not more than about half-an-inch above the average. Gales, more or less violent, came over on the 5th, 9th, 18th and 26th, whilst that on the 23rd reached the force of a hurricane during the afternoon. The barometer at 9 a.m. on this day had fallen to 28:745 inches at sea level. FEBRUARY. —The mean temperature was 1° below the average and the night temperature, both in the shade and on the grass, was below the freezing point. The general character of the weather throughout the entire month was, upon the whole, seasonable and pleasant. Rain fell on six days and the total quantity was nearly an inch below the average of many years. Frosts were frequent, but not severe, and the lowest temperature was registered on the last morning. The readings of the barometer were unusually high, which was probably due, in a measure, to the great prevalence of Easterly winds, which ranged between S.E. and N.E. for three out of the four weeks. From the 9th to the 12th, both inclusive, the sky was almost cloudless both day and night and telescopic definition remarkably good. At the close of the month a few primroses were in bloom in sheltered situations. MARCH.—The frosty weather which prevailed during the two last days of February became very intense during the first four days of this month. On the morning of the third the temperature in the shade fell to 15°8; on the grass to 99.6; and on the following morning to 16°2 in the shade, and on the grass to 8°7. These were the lowest temperatures which had been recorded in March since the year 1845. On the night of the 4th milder weather came on very suddenly, notwithstanding that the wind was Northerly. The mean temperature was rather more than one degree above the average in consequence of the warm weather, frequent rain and Westerly winds which prevailed during the last ten days. The average height of the barometer was the lowest recorded in March since 1877. On the morning of the 4th, and when there was no visible cloud, some beautiful snow crystals fell occasionally, which, when lying upon the frozen snow, refracted the sun's rays with great brilliancy. S.W. winds were the most prevalent after the first week. The two last days were particularly fine and the highest temperature in the shade was 60° on the 30th. APRIL.-The fine weather which prevailed at the close of last month continued very steadily to the 6th. The days and nights were for the most part brilliant and almost cloudless; but the N.E. wind caused slight frosts at night, particularly on the 5th. During the second week the temperature was much lower and sharp frost occurred almost every night, with snow showers occasionally. Some lightning and thunder with a hail shower occurred about noon on the 8th. Lightning was visible to the S.E. on the evening of the 16th. . The third week was warmer, with frequent showers. On the 26th, after a very fine morning, some heavy electric masses of cloud appeared to the Westward and thunder was heard in that direction at noon. These clouds passed Southward of Crowborough Hill towards the S.E., where they were arrested by a current bearing another mass of cloud from that quarter. Upon their junction a very vivid flash of lightning was seen, followed almost immediately by a very heavy precipitation, which proved to be snow, after which the cloud came up to the Observatory, where a heavy shower of rain fell, but no snow. The snow shower was very local, extending over about a square mile. The remainder of the month was fine and dry, nevertheless the mean temperature for the month was about two degrees below the average, and the rainfall half-an-inch in excess. MAY was, upon the whole, a fine and pleasant month. The mean temperature was above and the rainfall rather less than the average. The N.E. wind was the most prevalent, which occasioned some cold nights towards the end of the month. A splendid sunset was visible on the evening of the 10th, when some long lines of Cirrostratus cloud were beautifully illuminated by a deep Crimson tint for a considerable distance along the horizon, both East and West of the setting sun. On the evening of the 15th the Comet was well seen, having a bright nucleus with a short but broad tail, very well defined. On the evening of the 19th, some vivid lightning was seen along the Eastern horizon, between 9 and 10 o’clock. With the exception of a slight shower on the morning of the 30th, the last twelve days of the month were fine and dry. A slight frost on the grass was registered on the last morning. JUNE.—This was a very gloomy, cold, unseasonable month. The mean temperature was as much as 3°5 below the average of the last seventeen years. A slight frost occurred on the grass in the early morning of the 1st. The rainfall was 3.26 inches; a quantity three-quarters of an inch above the average. It was not, however, the actual amount of rainfall but the number of days upon which it fell which rendered the weather so unfavourable for the hay harvest, more especially during the last week; confirming the old precept that it is not wise to commence haymaking during the Midsummer week. The wind was generally from the Westward and the sky so overcast that there was but one really bright morning throughout the entire month; nevertheless, the barometer remained very steadily above the average height. Thunderstorms visited this district on the 12th and a severe gale of wind with heavy rain on the 30th. The morning of the 17th was not very favourable for observing the partial solar eclipse, but a very good observation of last contact was obtained. JULY.—The general character of this month was for the most part similar to that of June, more especially during the first half of it. The large quantity of grass which had been cut during the latter part of June remained on the ground in most districts saturated with moisture for nearly three weeks, so that scarcely any of it was ever sufficiently harvested to be used as fodder. The mean temperature was three degrees below the average and summer heat, in the shade, was only once registered during the entire month, viz., on the 16th. The rainfall was rather more than a fourth greater than the average of twenty years at Crowborough, but at Uckfield the quantity exceeded the average of 47 years by 1:35 inches. There was very little sunshine at any time, but a few nights were clear during the last fortnight. The S.W. wind was by far the most prevalent. A thunderstorm occurred in the vicinity of the Hill in the early morning of the 11th, which was the only instance of electrical disturbance. AUGUST-Although this month was somewhat finer than June and July, yet we had very little true summer weather. The highest temperature occurred on the 5th and 6th, when the maxima were 76°5 and 76-8 respectively but only on three other days did it reach 70° in the shade, which was unusually low for the time of year. The first week was tolerably free from rain and there was a great improvement in the amount of sunshine. The mean temperature of the month however was about one degree and a half below the average and the rainfall one inch in excess, and fell, more or less, on sixteen days. The total quantity would have been much less had it not been for the heavy rain of 1:26 inch on the 26th. Some distant electrical disturbance was noticed in this neighbourhood on the 10th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 28th and 29th. The wind blew very generally from the Westward. - SEPTEMBER.—This was by far the most pleasant month of the year and had the highest mean temperature. Many days and nights in the second and third weeks were brilliantly clear and most favourable for astronomical observations. The barometer remained high throughout and there were very few readings below thirty inches. The wind was variable but chiefly from the Westward. The rainfall was less than an inch, therefore the deficiency was nearly two inches and a half below the average. With the exception of a slight shower on the 2nd no rain fell until the 17th, when a slight thunderstorm visited this locality. This spell of fine weather was of incalculable benefit to the farmers in the S.E. of England, where much of the late harvest and the whole of the hop-picking was completed in a far more satisfactory manner than could have been anticipated. OCTOBER.—The fine weather during the first three weeks was a most agreeable continuation of that of the preceding month; nevertheless, although the night temperature during this time was higher than usual, yet the month's mean was scarcely equal to the average. This deficiency was occasioned by the sudden advent of cold frosty Weather from the 26th to 29th, both inclusive. The rainfall was less than half the average quantity. The amount of cloud was less than usual in October, while from the 8th to 17th, both inclusive, the sky was almost cloudless both day and night with the exception of the 15th, which was a windy, showery day. The entire month passed away Without any gale. Westerly winds were the most prevalent. On the evening of the 12th, after a brilliant day, I directed my telescope (6-8 inches aperture and twelve feet focal length) upon Jupiter and saw the first satellite, as a dark spot, near the centre of the planet's disc. As the general details of the planet's surface were extremely well defined, I watched the transit for some time, and when the satellite was passing the last third of the dise it gradually assumed a greyish tint until a few minutes before emersion, when it became bright as usual. About 6-h. 30-m. the shadow of this satellite appeared upon the limb, and it was not very much darker than the satellite itself had been. When the shadow had reached the centre of Jupiter's disc two small dark spots appeared upon the upper edge of the principal northern belt, and I have no record of having seen dark spots in such a position. At this time the upper half of this same belt was of a more decidedly crimson tint than I had noticed some months previously. The following sketch represents the general appearance of the planet on this evening. NOVEMBER.—During the first twenty-four days of this month the weather was unusually mild and the mean daily temperature was upwards of three degrees higher than the average of 17 years, but the severe frost on the last six days so reduced this excess that at the close of the month the mean temperature was half a degree below the average. On several days in the second and third weeks the air was almost oppressively warm, in consequence, perhaps, of its great humidity, while thrushes were singing at intervals, as in early spring. Rain fell more or less on 19 days out of the 24; and the wind was almost constantly from the Westward. The total amount of rain and product of melted snow, for the entire month, was about equal to the average of 20 years in this locality. A severe gale came on during the evening of the 6th, which occasioned a very considerable fall of the barometer during the night, so that the reading at 9 a.m. of the 7th was 629 of an inch lower than at the same time on the previous morning. Another gale came on during the night of the 23rd. The following are some particulars of the great and sudden change of weather from unusual mildness to intense frost, which prevailed during the last six days. The 24th was a densely overcast and dark day, but during the evening the wind veered suddenly to the Northward with a rapid decrease of temperature, which was in fact the commencement of the great frost which continued for several subsequent weeks. The morning of the 25th was fine and frosty, but about 4 p.m. snow commenced falling and the individual flakes were of larger size than I ever remember to have seen. They were comparatively few in number, but each flake upon reaching the ground was the full size of a halfpenny. The frost was more severe on the 26th, while heavy snow commenced falling early in the morning and continued throughout the day, so that by sunset it was about a foot deep upon the level. There being no wind accompanying the snowfall, the evergreen trees and shrubs were much loaded by it and were leaning in all directions, to their great detriment. On the 27th the frost was still more severe and increased to still greater intensity until the afternoon of the 28th, when at 2.30 the temperature in the open air was 14°; at 4 p.m., 11°; at 5 p.m., 10°; but at 10 p.m. it had risen to 13°. A self-registering thermometer, also exposed to the open air, gave a record of 8*6, while another in Stevenson's screen recorded 11°3 as the minimum in that position. I believe that the lowest temperature occurred between 4 and 5 p.m. Another instrument lying just above some grass, swept of snow, recorded 3°2 as the minimum of terrestrial radiation. The 29th was a dull day with hard frost and a little granular snow fell occasionally. The 30th was a finer morning and day, but with hard frost until the afternoon, when the temperature was above the freezing point for the first time since the 25th. The following table gives the highest and lowest temperature recorded during the six days. 25th. 26th. 27th. 28th. 29th. 30th. Highest Temperature in the Open Air ...... 41-0 || 31.0 29:0 27-0 31-2 39.8 Lowest 35 25 2: - - - - - - 27.4 21.8 19-9 13-6 8-6 21-0 5 * 3: of Radiation ......... 27-0 20:() 17:6 8-2 3-2 12-5 Highest 35 in the Shade ......... 39-2 29-0 26-2 25.3 27-8 35-2 Lowest *: 3 * : * * * * * * * * * * 29.4 25-2 22-3 15-1 11-3 24.0 Melted Snow in Inches of Water ............ 0-68 0.48 0.10 0.03 - The mean temperature of the six days in the screen was 25°8. The low readings on the morning of the 29th occurred, as I have before stated, in all probability between 4 and 5 p.m. of the 28th; but in accordance with established rule the minima readings taken in the morning, from self-registering instruments, are recorded for that day, being in fact the minima of the preceding twenty-four hours. I have thus given these particulars of this severe frost for two reasons; in the first place, on account of the greatest intensity having occurred during the daytime, and, secondly, because such severity is unprecedented in the month of November in our meteorological annals since the introduction of trustworthy self-recording thermometers. DECEMBER.—The severe frost which commenced on November 25th continued with varying severity during the whole of this month. The temperature fell to, or below, the freezing point on every night. From the 1st to 11th, both inclusive; although the highest temperature during the day was above 32°, yet it never reached 40°, while from 11th to 31st there were fifteen days wherein the maximum in the screen was below 32°, and on two separate occasions for five days consecutively. The mean temperature was 28°4, or nearly four degrees below the freezing point and no less than 89.2 below the average of the last seventeen years on Crowborough Hill. So far as I have been able to ascertain, this was the lowest mean temperature for December in the S.E. of England, on record. I have lately seen it stated that December, 1788, was as cold or colder than now, but the most trustworthy records of that month registered a mean of 30°4, or two whole degrees warmer. Again, December, 1796, was a very cold month and its mean temperature was 31°; from which time no long continued severity of frost in December is on record until December, 1844, when I registered a mean of 31°4 at Uckfield. These are therefore the only three previous instances of the mean temperature for December having been below 32° since the year 1786. The readings of the barometer exhibited little fluctuation with the exception of a sudden depression on the 19th, when some parts of the kingdom were visited by heavy snowstorms. The atmosphere generally was remarkably dry, considering the low temperature, as the Dew Point taken at 9 a.m. was as much as 3°7 below that of the air. As is usual in cold December, the rainfall was much below the average. The total quantity was only 0-74 of an inch ; the average of the last twenty years at Crowborough being 3:47 inches . Although the frost was so continuous, yet its intensity was at no time so great as might have been expected, thus confirming previous observation that severe frosts are less intense on the summit of a hill than on much lower ground. As an instance, I will mention that on the morning of the 15th Captain Noble registered a minimum of 12°3 at Forest Lodge, and Dr. Graham, at Waldron, 14°6, but the min, at Crowborough - was not lower than 21°3. The temperature of radiation on the same morning was 5° 1 at Forest Lodge, 7°-5 at Waldron, but not lower than 16° at Crowborough. On twenty-eight days the wind varied from N. to S.E., having been 17 days from N.E., 9 from due E., due S.E. 1, due N. 1; as to the remaining 3 days it was from due S. 1 and S.W. 2; but from the latter point it continued only for a few hours. On the 15th some beautiful snow crystals fell in very considerable numbers. During the night of the 18th a piercingly cold gale came from the Eastward, with a little snow, and on the 19th Small granular Snow fell almost continuously. More snow fell on the 20th which yielded *22 of an inch of water; but, with the exception of some granular Snow on the 30th, no more fell to the end of the month. At 10 p.m. on the 25th a fine prismatic halo surrounded the moon—-the red and yellow colors being well defined. There was a northerly gale on the 29th and the most severe frost occurred on the morning of the last day, viz., 14°8 in the shade; 13° in the open air and 10°3 above grass. The last day and night of the year were densely overcast, dark and frosty. THE STAND FOR THE EXPOSED THERMOMETERS. Some Remarks upon the Great Prevalence of N.E. Wind during the Five Years ending with 1889. In my annual Meteorological Report for the year 1889, I drew attention to the fact of the greater prevalence of N.E. over S.W. wind at my Observatory during that and the preceding four years. The statements which I made in reference thereto induced Mr. Ellis to refer to the Greenwich records of their relative prevalence for the same period at the Royal Observatory. The result of his enquiry formed the subject of a paper read by him at the meeting of the Royal Meteorological Society on June 18th, 1890, in the course of which he gave some very interesting details of the respective wind currents at Greenwich during a long series of years, viz., from 1841 to 1889, both inclusive, which exceeded in point of time my averages of 47 years by two years. A remarkable discordance was found in the frequency of the polar and equatorial winds at the two Observatories for which it appeared difficult to account. . The following is the comparative frequency of the N.E. and S.W. winds at Greenwich and Crowborough respec- tively as given by Mr. Ellis for the five years under consideration. - CROWBOROUGH. GREENWICH. N.E. S.W. N.E. S.W. Mean frequency ......... 102 ...... 72 ...... 52 ...... 100 From this statement it appears that during that lustrum the days of prevalence of N.E. wind at Crowborough were nearly double in number those at Greenwich. Mr. Ellis stated that “ until 1869 the results are given for days and since 1870 for hours. The day unit is, however, here retained for better comparison with Mr. Prince's values, or with those of other observers, that is to say, the values for hours since 1870 have been divided by 24 hours.” With all deference to Mr. Ellis's enquiry, I must state my belief that his method of deduction is scarcely applicable for comparison with my single daily observation at 9 a.m.; and I am very much disposed to consider that much of the discordance between our results may be due to his particular mode of dealing with the Greenwich records. In the discussion which followed the reading of Mr. Ellis's paper (the particulars of which I had no opportunity of reading until I received the Quarterly Journal of the Society on Nov. 12th) the President remarked that “he did not trust to vanes, as they so frequently got fixed; and probably some of the differences shown in the paper might be due to errors in the vanes.” The information which Mr. Ellis gave respecting the sensitiveness of the Osler Vane at Greenwich induces me to give the following section of the method of arrangement for my vane at Crowborough, which renders it very sensitive to any wind variation. It rarely happens that at 9 a.m. the wind current on Crowborough Hill is too calm for the vane to be acted upon. Its very high position above the surrounding country and its distance from the somewhat higher part of my house allow it to have free and unobstructed action. P– Af TTIſ: Z-2 F. 44 |||||||| ſ | | |E|| l B 7 ºrt-º-º-º-º-º-ºr-rrº-rº ºrº-ºr- Z - - º Z2 - *H EXPLICATION. A. M.–IIollow brass pipe with vane brazed on the top, which passes through the apex of the Observatory dome as well as through D. C. B. G. B.–Circular, well supported platform with the several points of the compass marked upon the under side. C.—Piece of thick plate glass upon which wheels F. turn. D.—Flat brass bar carrying brass frame work E. for the wheels F., which are of carefully turned box-Wood with convex edges working upon brass axles. G.—Horizontally placed arrow which moves synchronously with vane. H. K.—At each of these points is a brass pin, the former passing through the brass, bar and the yane rod, thus fastening the vane rod to the wheels, and the latter through the arrow G. and the vane rod, fixed in such a manner that both it and the vane show the existing current. It is probable that even more sensitiveness might be obtained by having at the bottom of the vane rod a steel point, working upon an agate bearing, but in such an arrangement I should of course lose the usefulness of the horizontal arrow upon the index compass within the Observatory. In continuing the discussion, Mr. Harding said that he had compared the wind observations obtained by the Meteorological Office for 8 a.m. each day at London, Dungeness and Hurst Castle (near Portsmouth) for the five years, 1885-89, and had found the number of days of N.E. and S.W. winds to be as follows:– London. Dungeness. Hurst Castle. Years. N.E. S.W. N.E. S.W. N.E. S.W. 1885 42 69 38 56 72 63 1886 41 62 41 46 78 67 1887 58 53 65 48 92 51 1888 51 65 41 65 72 75 1889 48 60 40 56 73 56 Mean for 5 years 48 (32 45 54 77 52 Considering the mean result for the five years 1885-89 and taking the N.E. winds as unity, Mr. Harding obtained the following results:— N.E. S.W. Crowborough.............................. 1 ......... 0-7 Greenwich................................. 1 ......... 1:9 London .................................... 1 ......... 1.3 Dungeness....................... ......... 1 ......... 1.2 Hurst Castle .............................. 1 ......... 0-7 The preceding table shews that while the records from Greenwich, London and Dungeness give an excess of S.W. wind, yet those from Hurst Castle give results more in uniformity with those from Crowborough Hill, as to the excess of N.E. wind during the five years ending with 1889, while further investigation would probably reveal the fact that considerable diversity of wind currents exists over the S.E. of England, at points not far distant from each other, and influenced, if not caused, by the general contour of the Weald and its surroundings. Finally, I will remark, that the correctness of the indications of the wind vane at Crowborough is fully confirmed by the records kept by Captain Noble, F.R.A.S., at his Observatory, Forest Lodge, Maresfield (which is situated rather less than five miles in a S.W. direction from Crowborough) and by his kindness in supplying me with the necessary data, I am enabled to give his results, in comparison with mine and those from Greenwich, in the following table:— Crowborough. Forest Lodge. Greenwich. Years. Blank N.E. S.W. N.E. S.W. Days. N.E. S.W. 1885 98 74 77 71 51 55 107 1886 102 83 88 80 23 49 97 1887 128 67 120 71 33 62 94 1888 95 71 73 89 72 49 105 1889 88 65 96 78 37 44 96 Mean | 102 72 90 75 43 52 100 Ratio 1 0-7 1 0-8 - 1 1:9 The records at Forest Lodge Observatory are not complete, through occasional absence of observer, but the ratio of frequency differs so little from that at Crowborough that the results at both places are practically the same. It may be seen by inspection of my Meteorological Summary for the year 1890, that there would have been a close approximation to the mean relative frequency of N.E. and S.W. winds which existed prior to the year 1884, had it not been for the great excess of the former during the cold month of December. 1–3– Some Remarks upon the Registration of Dew as Rainfall. One would suppose that the atmospheric conditions which immediately preceded the formation of Dew was a subject susceptible of easy explanation, but from the time of Aristotle and Pliny, to the commencement of the present century, various and uncertain theories have been broached as to the actual cause of its deposition. From the year 1814, when Dr. Wells published his celebrated treatise, to within a few years of the present time, his theory, beautiful as it was thought to be, was held Supreme and almost unquestioned. The main drift of his argument went to prove that dew was formed by the condensation of invisible vapour, from the stratum of atmosphere in contact with the earth's surface, which became deposited upon vegetable, metallic, and other good radiating objects when they had attained a temperature equal to, and below, that of the dew point (i.e., the temperature of the air at which the invisible vapour can no longer be suspended therein). About four or five years since, Mr. J. Aitken, F.R.S., of Falkirk, N.B., whose papers on various scientific subjects are well known in Scotland, entertained considerable doubt as to the correctness of the theory of the formation of dew as promulgated by Dr. Wells. The result was a paper by him upon the subject, which was published in the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. An epitome of many of his experiments and researches is given by the Rev. Dr. J. Gordon McPherson, in a most interesting little volume, entitled “Tales of Science,” published by James Gemmell, of Edinburgh, 1889, a book I would commend to the notice of every student and admirer of the thirty-six beautiful phenomena of nature described therein, and from which I purpose making a few extracts. “What first caused Mr. Aitken to doubt Dr. Wells's theory, so universally accepted, that dew is formed of vapour existing at the time in the air, and to suppose that dew is formed of vapour rising from the ground, was the result of some observations made in Summer on the temperature of the soil at a small depth under the surface, and of the air over it, after sunset and at night. He was struck with the unvarying fact that the ground a little below the surface was warmer than the air over it. By placing a thermometer among stems below the surface he found that it registered 18° Fah, higher than one on the surface. So long, then, as the surface of the ground is above the dew point, vapour must rise from the ground; the moist air will mingle with the superincumbent air; and its moisture will be condensed and form dew whenever it comes in contact with a surface cooled below the dew point.” < * * Mr. Aitken also “turning his attention to roads, he found that on a dewy night the under part of the gravel was dripping wet, while the top was dry. We remember when walking about in the vicinity of Hexham with an acute observer trained to farming, that, on our remarking that the farmers might to their profit remove the extraordinary quantity of small stones in the fields, in the way of giving more room for the growth of the grain, he shrewdly remarked, ‘These stones collect moisture from the ground; the soil is thin, with a gravelly subsoil, and unless the maximum amount of moisture is collected (which can only be done by allowing these stones to remain) there would be a very deficient crop. They must not then be removed.’” And we have a letter from a gentleman in India who noticed there that, around pieces of iron and old implements in the field, there was a very marked increase of grass, owing to the deposit of moisture near these articles. Now where did the moisture come from in these cases 2 It did not fall from above, but it issued in vapour from the ground. Just as the cold grass trapped the warm vapour in its ascent from the heated earth, so the vapour rising from the warm under-stratum was trapped by the cold stones. The theory of Dr. Wells, that the dew falls from the air above, is untenable; and Mr. Aitken has convincingly shown us that the guess of Nardius (1642) established the true theory, that dew rises from the ground. “But the investigation brought out a more astonishing fact. Not only was there a revolution as to the theory of the formation of dew, but what has been so long called dew in vegetation is not dew at all. Mr. Aitken observed that certain kinds of plants in his garden were covered with moisture, while others were quite dry; also that in clusters of plants of the same kind some were wet while others were not, all being independent of any exceptional exposure to the sky. On a more careful examination he found that the plants which were wet at night, were all in vigorous growth, whereas the dry plants were not so healthy. The leaves of the broccoli plants especially gave evidence that the moisture collected on them was not deposited according to the laws of radiation or condensation. The moisture was collected in small drops placed at short distances apart, along the very edge of the leaf, while the rest of the leaf was often dry. What then were these drops? Wells had hinted something about the transpired humour of plants; and Musschenbroek had regarded dew as a real perspiration of plants. Could this liquid, then, be an exudation from a healthy plant, instead of being drawn from the air Mr. Aitken placed a lantern behind a blade of broccoli and observed that the beautiful sparkling drops which fringed its edge were all placed at the points where the nearly colourless and semi-transparent veins of the leaf came to the outer edge. From this he concluded that the veins were the channels from which the drops had been expelled; and that these drops were not dew at all, but watery juices exuded by the plants. This excretion of water by the leaves of growing plants is not a new discovery, but its relation to dew has never before been recognised. * * * * The drops are always formed at a point near the top of the blade, and are of some size; whereas the true dew is distributed all over the blade in a moist film. The exuded liquid forms large diamond drops, but dew covers the blade with a fine pearly lustre.” The above are merely brief extracts from the second chapter of the before-mentioned interesting volume. I find that “with one exception the highest authorities in this country and on the Continent admit the conclusions to which Mr. Aitken has come.” My object in drawing the attention of meteorologists to Mr. Aitken's theory of the formation of dew has reference to its bearing upon Rule 18 of Mr. Symons’s “Arrangements for the Systematic Observation and Record of the Rain- fall of the British Isles,” which is as follows: “Dew and Fog. Small amounts of water are at times deposited in rain gauges by fog and dew; they should be added to the amount of rainfall because (1), they tend to water the earth and nourish the streams’ and not for that reason only, but (2), because in many cases the rain gauges can only be visited monthly, and it would then obviously be impossible to separate the yield of snow, rain, &c.; therefore, for the sake of uniformity, all must be taken together, and as except by Watching all night it is never possible to be certain that small amounts are wholly dew, it is best to count all entries of -01 inch or upwards as days with rain.” In considering the application of (2) we may remark that in cases wherein the rain gauge is examined monthly, it should be borne in mind that the indications from such a gauge can be only approximately correct, and, therefore, any amount which may have been the product of dew or fog should be taken q. v. Rule 18, therefore, amounts to this—that when the quantity of moisture found in the rain gauge measures 01 of an inch or more, whether the said quantity is known or not, to be wholly the product of dew, the said Q1 is to be entered as rainfall and the day formally registered as a wet one. My particular attention has lately been called to this rule in consequence of a friend of mine, a most accurate and painstaking observer, having reported to me the number of wet days which he registered in a certain month of last year, viz., October. The number given being more than double that of my own and other observations in this county, I made enquiry of him in reference thereto. His reply was: “That whenever dew equals or exceeds 01 inch, that is measured, and the day on, which it is measured, recorded as a wet one, e.g., from Oct. 8th to Oct. 18th inclusive, there was 01 inch of water in the gauge every morning.” Now what are some facts connected with these six consecutive days and nights? Why—that they were almost cloudless, and I do not believe that a drop of rain fell throughout the entire county of Sussex during the period; and yet in conformity with the rule drawn up by our highest authority on rainfall they were solemnly to be entered as wet days / Surely some modification of Rule 18 is required. Believing, as I do, that Mr. Aiken's theory of the formation of dew is the correct one, it occurs to me that whenever .01 of an inch of moisture is found in the rain gauge, and known to be dew (of which we can frequently be quite certain), this quantity should be thrown away (see Rule 12) otherwise it would appear that the same would be registered twice over, viz., once when it fell to the earth, and, secondly, when it was exhaled from it ! With reference to the exhalation of moisture from the earth, how often have we heard a remark of the useful- ness of dewy nights in a period of long drought. The earth exhales moisture to refresh vegetation, but it is quickly evaporated by the heating rays of the morning sun and is thereby dispersed and lost. This nightly exhalation goes on so long as the earth can give the supply, but at length heat and accompanying evaporation exhaust this supply and our parched meadows and land exhibit the consequences. - On the Suitability of Crowborough Hill as a Site for the Erection of an Astronomical Observatory. It is very satisfactory to observe the increased interest which is taken in the cultivation of astronomy and its kindred sciences among the more intellectual portion of the community; a study which should not fail in exciting their admiration of the marvellous immensity of the universe of which this little world of ours is but a comparatively insignificant atom. In confirmation of the above remark we may allude to the creation of a new Astronomical Society, viz., the British Astronomical Association, which already, in the first few months of existence, has enrolled within its ranks upwards of five hundred members; a fact which I think must be unparalleled in the archives of any scientific society in this country. It is very probable that among its associates there will be a certain number who will earnestly cultivate observa- tional astronomy, and for them it will be of the utmost importance to ascertain where a site, with suitable climatic conditions and surroundings, may be found which would give them fair prospect of practical success in their several astronomical studies. Experience has found, only too often, that the climate of England, generally, is not favourable to the astronomer, more particularly as affecting the prosecution of astronomical photography, and it is a familiar fact that considerable difficulty has arisen in the selection of a site for the successful conduct of this specially and increas: ingly interesting branch of astronomical research. In the hope that I may be able to furnish, perhaps, some useful information on this head in reference to the general atmospheric, or rather cloud conditions, of this elevated portion of the county of Sussex, I purpose giving in a tabular form some records of cloudless weather from two observations daily, viz., at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. for the long period of 40 years. Although I commenced taking meteorological observations in a desultory manner so long ago as 1837, and a more complete diary a few years afterwards, yet it was not until January 1st, 1851, that I recorded, twice daily, the presence or absence of cloud at my position at Uckfield, and which record I continued there to the year 1872. This series of observations will be embodied in the first table. Since my removal to Crowborough I have con- tinued a similar record. These tables are the result of my personal observation and registration with the exception of the occasional assist- ance of a deputy who, however, was probably not required for more than a few weeks, in the aggregate, during the whole period. I am not aware that information as to the absence of cloud, at stated intervals, in one locality, has ever been arranged in such a tabular form by any observatory, public or private, and I therefore deem it a matter of importance that the same should be placed on permanent record for future reference. I have thought it desirable that the two series should be given separately, but their mean shows, most conclu- sively, that the whole might have been given in one general result. Although the distance between Uckfield and Crowborough Hill is seven miles, yet the two places are almost within sight of each other, so that the area of obser- vation may be fairly stated to be the same. It seems necessary for me to explain what I term a cloudless morning and night, respectively. In the majority of instances on record the sky may be considered to have been cloudless from sunrise to the time of observation at 9 a.m., and frequently so for some time afterwards. With respect to the night observation, it means that the sky was free from cloud, except near the horizon, from Sunset to 9 p.m., and very generally for three or four hours afterwards and not infrequently throughout the entire night. I have many instances on record wherein no cloud was visible here during four, five, and even more consecutive days and nights. An inspection of the tabular matter given below will furnish evidence that a desirable site should be found either on Crowborough Hill or in its neighbourhood. It occasionally happens in the winter season that dense clouds rest upon the hill for many hours together, but, as a rule, both the air and soil are dry, and the presence of any actual fog is a rarity. We frequently see that the Metropolis and its suburbs are enveloped in dense fog when the weather is very fine and clear at Crowborough. On some other occasions, when we notice the greater part even of the Weald of Kent and Sussex to be under a canopy of fog, the summit of Crowborough Hill is quite free from it, and telescopic definition is most excellent, in consequence of the great mass of local vapour being condensed around the dust particles of the lower ground. TABLE I. The Daily, Monthly and Yearly Number of Fine Clear Mornings and Nights, from 1851 to 1872, both inclusive, AT UCKFIELD, SUSSEX. 1851. 1852. 1853. 1854. 1855. 1856. 1857. 1858 1859. 1860. 1861. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. January....| 6 || 4 || 13 | 12 5 5 || 4 1 1 4. 5 6 3 8 9 12 - February ...| 6 || 6 || 10 || 13 || 4 || 7 || 12 || 9 || 3 || 5 || 2 || 4 || 7 || 6 || 10 || 14 ; : ; ; . . March ------- 3 4 || 12 || 13 8 12 9 15 3 || 7 6 6 5 5 || 13 | 12 6 7 || 4 || 7 6 13 April . . . . . . 3 6 || 13 17 5 6 || 14 | 16 || 10 9 2 10 5 7 7 || 10 || 4 8 3 8 || 12 || 13 May . . . . . . 7 || 10 7 7 || 10 || 14 5 || 10 2 6 2 2 9 || 12 5 8 8 || 12 || 8 || 12 7. || 8 June . . . . . . 11 || 11 1 3 6 8 0 4 5 8 10 8 || 13 || 10 | 12 || 12 4 2 0 3 3 7 July . . . . . . 2 || 4 || 13 19 0 5 5 || 10 || 4 || 6 4 7 || 10 | 12 || 6 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 4 || 9 0 1 August 6 11 3 || 10 5 | 12 || 4 7 3 10 8 || 12 || 10 || 17 4 || 17 7 4 1 4. 7 | 12 September 11 || 15 4 12 6 || 15 15 || 14 || 10 || 13 5 8 9 11 4 7 4 4 6 || 10 7 || 10 October | 2 || 6 || 8 || 16 || 1 || 5 || 9 || 9 || 0 || 3 || 3 || 9 || 3 || 7 || 6 || 7 || 4 || 8 || 8 || 13 || 9 || 6 November ... 11 | 16 || 1 || 4 || 8 || 11 || 11 || 6 || 1 || 5 || 4 || 8 || 3 || 6 || 9 || 11 || 7 || 9 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 11 December ...| 4 || 6 || 5 || 5 || 6 || 5 || 8 || 7 || 4 || 9 || 8 || 5 || 6 || 5 | 4 || 6 || 5 || 10 || 2 || 3 || 11 || 10 Total . . . 72 99 || 90 |131 || 64 |105 || 96 108 || 46 85 59 || 85 83 |106 89 |126 || 72 98 || 49 || 93 || 78 109 1862. 1863. 1864. | 1865. 1866. 1867. 1868. 1869. 1870. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. M. N. January. . . . 5 || 7 || 4 || 3 || 8 || 10 || 10 || 6 || 4 || 7 || 5 || 7 || 4 || 4 || 6 || 2 || 7 || 7 || 6 || 4 || 3 || 5 February ...| 2 || 2 | 11 | 12 || 8 || 9 || 6 || 3 || 4 || 11 || 5 || 3 || 9 || 7 || 5 || 6 || 1 || 6 || 1 || 2 || 1 || 3 March...... 2 || 2 || 7 || 13 || 8 || 8 || 7 || 9 || 3 || 5 || 4 || 5 || 9 || 11 || 1 || 5 || 4 || 8 || 9 || 13 || 9 || 9 April . . . . . . 5 || 7 || 9 || 8 || 10 || 14 13 | 12 || 7 || 9 || 3 || 3 || 6 || 7 | 11 || 9 || 17 | 16 || 2 || 6 || 9 || 7 May . . . . . . 5 || 4 || 5 || 7 || 6 || 8 || 8 || 10 || 9 || 12 || 8 || 12 || 9 || 14 || 2 || 4 || 8 || 15 11 || 13 || 1 || 6 June . . . . . . 3 10 || 3 || 6 || 3 || 8 || 12 | 16 || 6 || 8 || 13 || 11 || 11 19 || 8 || 9 || 9 || 11 || 2 || 9 || 5 || 6 July . . . . . . 2 || 7 | 12 || 23 || 7 | 12 || 8 || 11 || 6 || 11 || 4 || 5 || 13 | 13 11 || 9 || 6 || 9 || 1 || 7 || 5 || 7 August 5 || 9 || 3 || 11 || 10 | 16 || 5 || 7 || 2 || 10 || 7 || 6 || 6 || 10 || 13 | 12 || 9 || 10 | 18 21 || 5 || 7 September .. 8 || 9 || 5 || 7 || 7 || 11 || 17 | 24 || 3 || 2 || 2 || 7 | 12 || 13 || 3 || 4 || 16 || 17 | 1 || 9 || 6 || 9 October ....] 5 || 7 || 3 || 4 || 8 || 8 || 9 || 11 || 9 || 8 || 8 || 7 | 12 || 11 || 11 || 10 || 5 | 12 || 6 || 9 || 6 || 7 November .. 7 || 7 || 3 || 7 | 16 12 10 || 11 10 | 12 || 7 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 5 || 6 || 10 || 10 || 1 || 2 December .. 7 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 6 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 6 || 2 || 5 || 4 || 6 || 5 || 10 || 6 || 1 || 6 || 7 || 4 || 1 Total .. 56 |75|| 09 105'ſ 85 122 losiº Iggioſos | T 101|12|33 ||38|98 is is no T35 gº TABLE II. The Daily, Monthly and Yearly Number of Fine Clear Mornings and Nights, from 1873 to 1890, both inclusive, AT CROWBOROUGH HITIL, SUSSEX. 1873. 1874. 1875. 1876. 1877 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. January....| 6 || 3 || 6 || 8 || 3 || 2 || 2 || 6 || 5 || 8 || 6 || 6 || 3 || 6 || 10 || 11 || 7 | 9 February ...| 2 || 2 || 7 || 9 || 7 || 3 || 5 || 2 || 3 || 7 || 5 || 3 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 7 || 4 || 8 March...... 8 11 || 6 || 11 || 6 || 2 || 4 || 10 || 5 || 11 || 4 || 9 || 7 || 7 || 10 | 10 || 8 || 17 April . . . . . . 3 || 8 || 10 | 11 || 8 || 13 || 8 || 8 || 0 || 3 || 4 || 13 || 1 || 7 || 2 || 14 || 3 || 7 - May . . . . . . 7 10 || 2 || 8 || 4 || 17 | 5 || 13 || 5 || 10 || 3 || 9 || 3 || 9 || 5 | 16 || 9 || 14 June . . . . . . 4 || 6 || 6 || 12 || 3 || 8 || 9 || 8 || 12 15 || 4 || 10 || 0 || 3 || 1 || 9 || 5 || 7 ſ July . . . . . . 6 10 || 7 || 14 || 4 || 5 || 11 || 9 || 3 || 10 || 7 || 13 || 0 || 5 || 0 || 8 || 12 15 August 2 || 6 || 7 | 12 || 1 || 8 || 12 || 13 || 0 || 10 || 1 || 6 || 4 || 4 || 1 | 12 || 7 || 11 September 4 || 7 || 4 || 7 || 5 || 10 || 2 || 8 || 6 || 11 || 6 || 13 || 8 || 9 || 6 || 11 || 5 || 10 October 8 10 || 4 || 8 || 5 || 10 || 4 || 10 || 8 || 7 || 3 || 10 || 7 || 11 || 4 || 4 || 8 || 14 November .. 3 || 4 || 7 || 9 || 1 || 3 || 7 || 8 || 7 || 9 || 6 || 7 || 5 || 7 || 6 || 9 || 3 || 7 December ...| 4 || 9 || 7 || 8 || 2 || 4 || 2 || 3 || 7 || 13 || 5 || 7 || 7 || 6 || 4 || 8 || 5 || 8 Total .. 57 | 86 73 |117 | 49 85 || 71 || 98 || 61 |114 54 |106 || 47 76 53 |119 || 76 |127 1882. 1883. 1884 1885. 1886. 1887. 1888. 1889. 1890. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M. N. M N M. N. M. N. January....| 3 || 7 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 8 || 6 || 3 || 6 || 8 || 6 || 6 || 7 || 9 || 8 || 4 || 8 || 4 February ...| 6 || 4 || 5 | 10 || 1 || 7 || 4 || 7 || 5 || 5 || 10 || 13 || 2 || 2 || 3 || 9 || 10 || 13 March...... 12 13 || 7 || 11 || 6 || 9 || 6 || 7 || 5 || 11 || 6 || 10 || 2 || 4 || 4 || 8 || 11 | 16 April . . . . . . 6 || 9 || 5 || 10 || 3 || 4 || 9 || 12 || 4 || 8 || 11 || 9 || 2 | 12 || 2 || 8 || 7 || 11 May ...... 8 || 17 | 8 || 10 || 11 11 || 3 || 9 || 5 || 11 || 4 || 3 || 7 || 14 || 4 || 9 || 9 || 16 \ June ...... 0 || 8 || 7 || 9 || 6 || 10 || 9 || 14 || 4 || 8 || 10 | 16 || 1 || 4 || 11 || 13 || 1 || 9 July ...... 3 || 6 || 1 || 6 || 5 || 11 | 12 || 13 || 8 || 11 | 12 15 || 1 || 0 || 5 || 12 || 2 || 9 | August 1 || 9 || 8 || 12 || 17 | 20 || 6 || 11 || 6 || 13 || 9 || 16 || 2 || 7 || 8 || 13 || 5 || 13 September 5 | 12 || 8 || 9 || 5 || 13 || 4 || 8 || 8 || 11 || 2 || 7 || 9 || 12 | 12 15 || 8 || 11 October . 5 || 5 || 5 || 9 || 6 || 11 || 4 || 4 || 8 || 4 || 7 || 9 || 11 || 14 || 8 || 10 | 12 || 13 November ... 10 || 7 || 8 || 6 || 4 || 5 || 5 || 8 || 6 || 10 || 6 || 8 || 1 || 5 || 6 || 12 || 9 || 8 | I)ecember ...| 3 || 7 || 1 || 5 || 3 || 4 || 11 || 7 || 11 || 14 || 4 || 6 || 9 || 12 || 8 || 8 || 7 || 9 Total .. 62 |104 || 69 |103 | 73 |113 79 103 || 76 |114 87 |1|18 || 54 95 || 79 121 | 89 |132 TABLE III. Summary of Tables I. and II. - First Series from 1851 to 1872 |Second Series from 1873 to 1890 1851-1890. (both inclusive) (both inclusive) > AT UCRFIELD. AT CROWBOROUGH HILL. Average Average Average Average Number of Number of Number of Number of Fine Mornings. Fine Nights. Fine Mornings. Fine Nights. January ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 6:0 5-8 6-3 February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 6-8 4-7 6-3 - March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6'3 8-6 6'5 9.8 April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.7 9°4 4-9 9-3 fly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4. 9.4 5-6 11:4 June. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 8-6 5-1 9-4 July . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-0 9-4 5-5 9-5 August . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6'4 11-1 5-4 10.9 September . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3 10-5 6-0 10-2 October . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6'1 8-4 6'5 9-0 November . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 8-2 5-5 7-3 December . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-0 5-6 5-5 7:6 Yearly Averages ...... 75-0 102-0 67.0 107.0 C. LEESON PRINCE. THE OBSERVATORY, CROWBOROUGH HILL, SUSSEX, February 24, 1891. ſaeae |- |- ， - | | |-----*|-|- -- - -- - - - . - |-|-- · ·|-|- |：：： * |-|-|-|-- -|- |-|-|- |- ----- - - -- -|-|-- ， , ， ， ， ， ， ， ， ， -！- - - -|- ·|- |-|-|- |-|-|- |-- -|- |-|-|- - |-|- 1 （ - ）| -|-|-|- |-|-， ， ， ！, ， , ，· · · · · · · · · · · · - · |-， ， , ，- - -|-- ----| |- · · · -- - ------|- -|- |-|-|-|-|-|-|- |-· |- |-|-|-|- |-|-|-|-|- |-|-· · -|-|- |-* ， ， ， ， ! |-|-| - | （ ）|-· |-. |-- | |- - -- - |-， ， ,|- |-|- - - -|- |- -| |||-|- T EL E S TO M M A ER, Y OE A. METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL, KEPT BY %- C. LEES ON PRINCE, F.R.A.S., F.R.M ET.S., &c., -Q Sý º §§ - AT H IS OBSERVATORY, CEROWEC) EROUGH EIILL, SUSSEX. | S 9 1. 1891. Jan. Feb. Mar. April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year. Barometer, mean 9 a.m., sea level.................. 30-172|30:479. 29.838 30.004, 29.787|30.015. 29.954|29.843. 30.032|29-789. 29.867. 30.019, 29.983 * , ſ Absolute maximum ...….. 51°1 | 68-0 || 62-0 | 68-0 80-0 | 83.4 82.0 79.5 83-0 | 69-5 57.0 53-0 || 83.4 ää , minimum ........................... 15°1 26-8 20:8 28-0 28-0 || 37.4 || 415 || 42-7 || 42-0 || 28.5 28.6 23-0 || 15.1 º Mean maximum .............................. 39.3 49.7 || 484 || 55.2 63-1 | 73.2 | 73-0 || 70.5 69.7 58.6 48.3 45.7 57.8 ää minimum .............................. 27.5 32. I 31-3 || 33-4 39.9 49.1 49.4 49.5 49.9 43.4 36.2 34.3 39.6 is 3. ; temperature ........................... 33.4 409 || 39-3 || 44-3 || 51°5 61:1 61.2 60-0 || 59.8 || 510 || 42-2 || 40-0 || 48.7 ă. ; daily range ........................... 11.8 || 17-6 || 17-1 || 21.8 || 23.2 24.1 23.6 21-0 | 19.8 15.2 12.1 11.4 || 1s2 # Solar radiation (in Vacuo), maximum...] 58.9 || 738 74.8 77.0 90-0 || 93.4 93.6 90-0 || 90-0 || 80.3 65-0 || 57-3 || 93-6 = = { .. -> , mean ......... 449 564 57-3 || 647 | 730 83.8 83's 803 || 77.2 66.6 52.9 | 19.5 65's Terrestrial radiation—minimum .................. 102 || 23.2 11.4 25-0 || 26.1 35-0 || 39's 37.8 36.5 22-6 20.2 15-6 10-2 :: Ille&ll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 29-1 || 30-0 || 32.1 38-1 || 47.7 || 48.2 47.2 46.2 38.9 - 317 | 28.8 36.9 Mean amount of cloud, 9 a.m. (0:10)............ 5.3 5-0 7.9 7.2 7-0 6-6 7-0 7.7 6-2 5-S (5'6 5-8 6'5 *"...º.º.º.º. "...}| s 16 || 0 || 8 || 1 || 10 s 9 || 2 || 0 || 7 || 2 | 19. .2 ſ Absolute maximum........................... 49-0 | 66-6 58.8 63-6 || 75-8 78.4 78-0 || 74-0 || 78.5 64-7 || 53.6 52-0 || 78.5 ; r- xx minimum ........................., 183 27-0 || 23-3 || 29°4 29.5 39.5 43-2 44-2 || 43-2 || 30-0 || 30-3 || 24.8 18.8 É à Mean maximum .............................. 37.9 || 47.6 44'4 50.4 58.6 67.9 67.8 | 66-0 || 65-6 || 56-0 || 46-7 || 45-0 || 54.5 # 5 minimum .............................. 29.3 33.4 32°4 || 34-8 41-0 || 50:1 51.0 50.4 || 51.2 44-6 || 37.1 35.8 10.9 #3 , temperature ........................... 33.6 40-5 384 42-6 || 49.8 59.0 59.4 58.2 58.4 50-3 || 41.9 40.4 47.7 #3 º, daily range ........................... º | 12:0 15-6 || 17-6 || 17-8 16's 15.6 14.4 || 11.4 9.6 9.9 13.6 i: Temperature, 9 a.m. ........................ 332 40-3 || 392 || 44°5 50.7 61-0 || 60.8 59.3 60-3 || 51.4 42.5 40.3 || 48.6 # : *: of dew point, 9 a.m. ... 30.8 || 34.8 || 33-5 || 36-3 || 44.5 52-6 || 53.9 54.4 53.8 || 48-0 || 39.9 38.7 43.4 #” Elastic force of vapour.......... ........... 173 || 202 || 192 || 214 294 || 398 || 417 | 424 .416 || 334 .246 .235 | .295 É U Relative humidity ........................... 91 80 80 72 79 74 78 84 82 88 90 94 82 ſ N.................................................... 7 4. 6 8 8 3 5 1 2 () 3 () 47 º N.E. ........................................... 7 7 8 1() 3 9 5 0 1 5 6 5 66 # E................................................... 1 1 || 3 || 1 3 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 3 1 || 2 || 25 # ă S.E..................................... ......... 3 () 2 3 3 1 I 1 2 2 6 2 26 i S.................................................... 4 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 6 || 4 || 3 || 5 || 7 || 11 || 5 || 3 || 52 § S.W. ............................................. 6 4. 5 } | 6 4 || 10 || 17 | 12 6 6 12 91 à w, ................................................ 3 || 3 || 7 || 0 || 2 || 3 || 5 || || 2 || 4 || 2 43 | N.W. .............................. .............. 0 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 2 || 3 || 1 || 3 || || 0 || || 0 || 15 £ ſ Crowborough ................................. 3:38 || 0-00 || 4-06 || 0-59 388 || 2:18 3-62 5.79 | 1.52 9-28 || 3.73 || 4:34 |49.37 É b. Mayfield Vicarage ..................... 3.05 || 0-05 || 2:40 || 0:45 2.85 | 1.81 || 3:53 5:57 || 0:95 || 7:84 || 3:20 || 4-92 || 36.62 # { c. Forest Lodge, Maresfield ............ 2.90 || 0:12 || 2:42 (): 39 3-09 || 1:83 || 3:36 || 4.96 || 1:33 9-16 || 3:51 || 3.97 ||37.04 : d. Bryckden, Waldron ..................... 2.58 || 0-07 || 2:35 | 0-48 3:32 || 2:15 || 3-16 || 6’41 || 0-90 || 6.96 || 3-64 || 4-11 |36.13 : e. Uckfield .................................... 2°41 || 0-00 || 2:30 || 0-40 2°58 || 1:72 || 2:76 || 4:52 || 0-69 || 8.26 || 3:35 | 3.71 32.70 The Observatory is situated 825 feet above the level of the sea. Latitude, 51° 3' 14° North, Longitude, 0° 9' 30" East. b. From the Register kept by The Rev. H. T. M. KIRBY. d. From the Register kept by Dr. GRAHAM. 0. 2x ** -: Capt. WM. No BLE, F.R.A.S 4’. -> --- 2: Miss LAURA DAY. GENERAL REMARKS. JANUARY.-The severe frost, which commenced so suddenly on November 25th, 1890, continued with but little cessation to the 19th of this month inclusive—a period of 56 days, or exactly eight weeks. This was the longest frost which we have had for many years. The mean temperature in the shade during this interval was as low as 28°6, or nearly 3°5 below the freezing point; while the mean temperature of the first nineteen days of this month was 29°9, which is seven degrees below the average temperature for January during the last seventeeen years at Crowborough. Notwithstanding the comparatively mild weather of the last twelve days (during which time there were only three slight frosts) the mean temperature of the entire month was only 33°6. The increase of tempera- ture on the 20th occurred rather suddenly in the early morning; the wind had veered to the S.W. and rain fell for some hours during the succeeding night, accompanied by a considerable fall of the barometer and an increase of wind. During the greatest severity of the frost snow crystals fell in considerable numbers and in great variety. With respect to the fall of snow generally, this locality was much favored, as very little fell after the first precipita- tion at the end of November. N. and N.E. winds were the most prevalent. In consequence of the heavy rains during the last week the total fall for the month was about equal to the average. FEBRUARY. —The weather during the whole of this month was of a remarkable character. In the first place it was absolutely dry and anti-cyclonic throughout. The reduced readings of the barometer were never below thirty inches at 9 a.m., while, secondly, as regards the drought, an absolutely rainless month had not occurred in Sussex since July, 1842, on which occasion I did not register any rain at Uckfield between June 30th and August 11th. The month was, for the most part, pleasant for the time of year, and the sky unusually free from cloud, there having been fourteen cloudless mornings and sixteen cloudless nights, thus completely setting aside the old adage for February. The mean temperature in the shade was 40°-5, or rather more than two and a half degrees above the average of the last seventeen years. There were frequent slight frosts at night, but the most severe, as registered in the screen, did not exceed 4°, although the wind was so frequently from the Northward. The mid-day warmth of the last two days, both in the shade and in sunshine, was so unprecedently high, that I have thought it might be interesting to give the following details: - - 27th 28th Highest temperature in the shade .................................... 60°5 ...... 66°-6. ** 2: * Sunshine ................................. 64'0 ...... 68.0. Solar radiation (in Vacuo) bright bulb .............................. 73°1 ...... 73-8. *: black bulb................................. 105-0 ...... 103-6. 22 2: This was a higher temperature than was recorded in the shade during the two subsequent months of March and April. So many bright and cloudless days occurred during the latter part of the month that gardening operations were vigorously commenced by the unwary, who seemed to imagine that an early spring had arrived after the long and severe frost, and that winter had departed for the season. They must have forgotten some of the old proverbs referring to any premature warmth in February. Of these the following respecting fine weather at Candlemas would be especially applicable to this instance, for the day was cloudless throughout : If Candlemas Day be summerly bright, Winter will have another flight. If Candlemas Day be fair and clear, There will be two winters in one year. A Scotch proverb says— If Candlemas Day be dry and fair, - The half of the winter's to come and mair; If Candlemas Day be wet and foul, The half of the winter is gone at Yule. As far as the sun shines in a Candlemas Day, So far will the snow blow in before May. Si Sol splendescat Maria purificante, , , Major erit glacies post festum quam fuit ante. Where the wind is on Candlemas Day, There it will stick to the end of May. Poul weather is no news; hail, rain and Snow Are now expected, and esteemed no woe: Nay, 'tis an omen bad, the yeomen say, If Phoebus shows his face the second day. If these proverbs refer to Candlemas Day only, how much more probable should it be for them to be borne out when the whole month was fine and dry MARCH.-The unusual warmth which prevailed during the latter part of February gradually decreased on the 1st and 2nd of this month, but the drought continued to the 6th. On the second night the wind veered to the westward with a further great decrease of temperature, insomuch that at 9 a.m. on the 3rd it was 14° colder than at the same hour on the previous day. It continued westerly and very cold till the evening of the 8th, when it veered suddenly to the N.E. and increased in force. On the 9th, during the forenoon, some sleet and snow fell, and at noon a severe gale came on with increasing severity all the afternoon, accompanied by a driving snow fall (quite a blizzard), while from 9 to 10 p.m. it blew quite a hurricane, and the snow was so extremely small that it penetrated into every available crevice before midnight. This gale continued very violent during the greater part of the night with almost continuous snow. By the morning of the 10th the snow had been driven into deep rifts, which varied in depth from one to five feet; but it was deeper in those lanes which were at a much lower level than the adjoining fields. My rain gauge was covered by two feet of snow. Upon due consideration I estimated the average depth upon the level at six inches. This snow, having been very small, and densely packed in bulk, yielded no less than 1:30 inches of water. Frost occurred on several subsequent nights and the lowest temperature was recorded on the morning of the 12th, viz., 23°3 in the screen, and 11°3 on the surface of short grass. Snow fell again during the night of the 10th, and the wind having entirely subsided, it lay very heavily on the evergreen trees and shrubs. Very cold weather continued throughout the month, yet its mean temperature was only 1°:2 below the average. Several showers of pelletiform snow fell on the 26th, with some electrical display about 2 p.m. to the southward. These pellets were rather larger than peas. They were very soft, without any particular nucleus, and remained quite stationary upon reaching the ground and housetops. The rainfall was much above the average. APRIL.-The cold weather of the previous month continued for the most part throughout this month, so that its mean temperature was considerably more than two degrees below the average. The direction of the wind was from N. to E. on twenty-one days, and frequently blew with some force, so that it felt colder than the thermometer indicated. Throughout the entire month the air was most ungenial and very unfavourable for animal and vegetable life and, as a consequence, vegetation advanced very slowly, so that the spring season was more backward than for many years past. The readings of the barometer were high with but little fluctuation until the last few days. The cold weather of this month was very general throughout Western Europe. It was a very dry month and the rainfall was about one-fourth of the average of the last twenty-one years. At the close of the month the injurious effects of the late great frost, upon certain trees, shrubs and flowers, became apparent. The following trees were quite killed or very much injured:—Pinus Insignis, Eucalyptus Globulus, Cedrus Deodara, Quercus Ilex, Cupressus Lawsonia Gracilis and Pyramidalis, Cryptomeria Elegans. The following shrubs and flowers:–Veronica, Cistus Ladaniferus, Escalonia Macrantha, Euonymus, Buddlea Globosa, Hydrangea, Fuchsia Riccartoni, Leycesteria Formosa, Laurus Nobilis, and Viburnum Tinus. The Portugal and common Laurel were not injured. I think that the greatest injury was occasioned by the sudden and very severe frost during the last week of November, 1890; and for the following reasons. The weather had been unusually mild during the first half of that month, consequently the sap was in full vigour and therefore more sensitive to the extreme cold; moreover, all the above-mentioned plants had fully with- stood the cold of several previous winters when the advent of cold had been less sudden in its intensity. MAY.—This month was remarkable for the great variation in its temperature. The first half was fairly warm and more genial than for many weeks past, while on the 11th, 12th and 13th the highest temperature in the shade was 67°5, 74°9 and 75°.8 respectively. This sudden heat was felt to be quite oppressive, but it was of very short duration, for on the 14th it decreased nearly 12°, while on the 16th the highest was only 47°, or a decrease of nearly 29° since the 13th. The 16th was a remarkable day for the time of year; some rain had fallen during the previous night, but in the course of the afternoon snow and hail showers were frequent, which caused such a decrease in temperature that at 7 p.m. it was only one degree above the freezing point; more snow fell during the evening, after which the clouds dispersed and a sharp frost ensued in the early morning of the 17th. The greatest cold registered in the air was 29° 5 and on the grass 26°1. The evergreen trees and shrubs were much loaded with snow, which, however, soon disappeared after sunrise. From the 17th to the 28th the weather continued cold and unseasonable, with rain, more or less, every twenty-four hours, the wind frequently changing to all points of the compass. Notwithstanding the great variation in temperature, the mean for the month was little more than one degree below the average of seventeen years. It is many years since there has been so much snow in May. The rainfall was one inch and a half above the average, which was a welcome amount after the long drought which commenced on February 1st, the greater part of the precipitation in March having been snow. - JUNE.—Although this month was fine, upon the whole, and its mean temperature above the average, yet there were considerable alternations, while on several days during the second week, owing to the prevalence of northerly and easterly winds, the air was unseasonably cold and cheerless. Rainfall occurred on nine days and the total amount registered was somewhat below the average. A N.E. gale prevailed on 6th, 7th and 8th, with cold rain at intervals, from which time to the 22nd the weather continued dry and warmer both day and night. During the nights of the 22nd, 23rd and 24th nearly one and a half inches of rain fell and on the early morning of the 25th a thunderstorm passed away to the S.E. The atmospheric conditions on the 6th were very unfavourable for any observations to be taken of the partial Solar eclipse. JULY.—Gloomy and unseasonable weather prevailed, for the most part, throughout this month, and its mean temperature was below the average. The great deficiency of sunshine had a most unfavourable influence upon vegetation. The only really warm days were the 16th and 17th, when the temperature rose to 76° and 78° respectively. The rainfall was above the average, but this excess was due to the heavy thunderstorm on the morning of the 27th. Electrical disturbance was observed also on the 8th, 17th, 30th and 31st. The wind was chiefly from the westward. - w AUGUST.--This was another very unfavourable summer month, and a very low temperature was observed throughout, with frequent and heavy rains, much westerly wind and very small amount of sunshine. The mean temperature was two degrees below the average and the rainfall nearly double the average of the last twenty-one years on Crowborough Hill. The total amount was 5’79 inches, of which no less than four inches fell during the last twelve days. Electrical disturbance was observed here on the 3rd, 10th, 13th, 21st and 23rd. Southerly gales occurred on 25th and 31st. A fine solar halo was seen on the 30th. During the storm of the 23rd Uckfield Church was struck by lightning and sustained considerable damage. SEPTEMBER.—The weather of this month was, for the most part, a pleasant change from that which had prevailed during the two previous months, which enabled a considerable portion of the late harvest to be secured in a fairly good condition. Hop-picking was carried on with but little interruption. The mean temperature was nearly two and a half degrees above the average, and the highest day temperature in the shade, for the whole year, occurred ºn the 11th, viz., 78; 5. The fluctuations of the barometer were slight and the mean reading was above the average. The rainfall was only one and a half inches. The prevailing winds were from S. to S.W. A slight thunderstorm occurred on the 21st. On the 4th I took an observation of Wolfe's Comet as it was passing through the Pleiades, and found it to be a very inconspicuous object, its light being much overpowered by the brilliancy of Eta Tauri. I saw it again on the evening of the 8th, when a faint nucleus was quite observable, the night being very favorable for telescopic definition. During the night of the 10th a strong auroral light was visible, due North. OCTOBER was a very mild, stormy, wet month. Its mean temperature was nearly two and a half degrees above the average, while the rainfall was more than twice the average of the last twenty-one years at Crowborough Hill, as well as twice the average of forty-nine years at Uckfield. Moreover, it was the heaviest October rainfall in Sussex during the last half century, with the single exception of October, 1865. There was a very unusual prevalence of Southerly wind, with an occasional variation to S.W. and W. The month passed without a trace of frost until the last morning, when the temperature of the air fell to 30°, and that of radiation to 22°6. On the evenings of Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st the phenomenon of Will-of-the-Wisp was seen over the low ground in Crowborough Warren ; its appearance is a certain indication of an approaching wet period, and the higher the gentleman ascends the more stormy and wet will the weather be. Gales of more or less violence prevailed on the 11th, 13th, 15th, 21st and 22nd. On the 17th a thunderstorm passed to the westward, with some very vivid lightning, and the peals of thunder were unusually loud and prolonged. Serious floods occurred over most of the low grounds, particularly at Buxted, Uckfield, Barcombe and Lewes, after the heavy rains of the 20th, 21st and 22nd. The month terminated in bright but colder weather. A remarkable group of sun spots was visible on the 8th, and the changes which it underwent in the course of a few hours were very remarkable. NOVEMBER.—The first half of this month was much overcast, the temperature low and the rainfall heavy; nevertheless, the total fall for the entire month was rather below the average. A violent gale, which increased to the force of a hurricane, occurred during the night of the 10th, and continued more or less violent till late in the after- noon of the 11th. This was the most severe gale which had occurred in this county for several years past, evidence of which was shown by the number of trees completely blown down and a still larger number partially uprooted. The corrected reading of my barometer at noon was 28:557 inches, which was the lowest point observed here since December 8th, 1886. Variable winds prevailed between N.E. and S.W. by S.E. The evening of the 15th was very unfavorable for observing the lunar eclipse. DECEMBER.—This month was very mild and rainy to the 15th, with an almost constant Westerly wind. From the 17th to the 25th the weather was much colder, but without any precipitation. It was the warmest December since 1880. The rainfall was about an inch above the average and fell more or less on twenty days. Gales of more or less violence occurred on the 3rd, 7th, 10th and 13th. Notwithstanding the unsettled weather there was a considerable amount of sunshine, more particularly from the 19th to the 24th, both inclusive, and during the month there were twelve clear nights for astronomical observations. The rainfall for the whole year was more than five inches above the average of twenty-one years at Crowborough Hill, and at Uckfield it was two inches and three- quarters above the average of forty-nine years. C. LEESON PRINCE. THE OBSERVATORY, CROWBOROUGH HILL, SUSSEX, - - - - May 10th, 1892. - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - T H E S TO M M A ER, Y OF A METEOROLOGICAL JOURNAL, KEPT BY %2. C.-LEES ON PRINCE, F.R.A.S., F.R.M ET.S., & C., % - 22 2.2 24-4, 3 CEROW EOEROUGH HIT,L, SUSSEX. | S 9 2 . Jan. Feb. ... May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year. 29,897|29,832.30-067|30.0503005430.05230-06429.990.30:057|29.766 30.117|30.05030.000 a ſ Absolute maximum ........................ 50°0 54°1 63°-0 || 75-6 80.5 85.0 79-0 | 87.0 74-2 || 62.1 59.7 54-0 || 87.0 § , minimum ............. :::::::::::::: 19-0 || 14-0 | 18-2 23:9 27.9 || 36-0 || 45-0 || 43-3 || 39-0 || 29-8 || 33-3 || 22.7 || 14-0 # Mean maximum .............................. 41-0 || 44-2 || 47-0 || 60.2 66.8 68-8 69.4 || 72.9 65-7 53-0 || 49.4 || 41.1 56-6 # º, minimum .............................. 28:8 31'4 28-6 || 35.5 42.6 46.1 50-0 || 52-0 || 47-3 || 38-2 40-3 || 30-7 || 39-3 #: º, temperature ........................... 34.9 37.8 37.8 47.8 54-7 || 57.4 59.7 62.4 56-5 45.6 44.8 35.9 47.9 ää { º, daily range ........................... 12:2 | 12:8 || 18.4 24-7 || 24.2 22.7 | 19.4 20.9 | 18-4 || 14-8 9-1 || 10.4 17.3 ; : sº 55-6 || 62-0 || 71.4 85-7 91.8 95-0 | 89.5 97.0 | 84-0 | 73-2 70-2 61-0 | 97.0 E + - É 51-2 : 57-3 || 70-7–1–77:6-HT9:4 -79.3 -81.9 74-0 || 60:1 53.2 44.4 64.5 É ºv., ºº 133-0 | 1.43-3 || 134°5 136-0 || 1:29-0 143.3 Terrestrial radiation—minimum .................. 122 112 || 17-1 || 22.4 25-0 || 34.5 42-() 37.6 || 32.4 28-0 30-0 || 21-0 || 1:1-2 22 11168 Il . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 28.8 26.7 || 32.8 40.2 44-6 || 47.9 49.4 45.1 36.1 39.1 29-0 || 37.1 Mean amount of cloud, 9 a.m. (0:10)............ 5-9 7-1 6-0 4-0 5-8 5'8 6-7 5-8 - 6-8 7-0 8-2 6.9 6'3 *...*.*.*.*.*.*.*...}| 7 || 0 || 2 | 20 || 1 || 0 || 6 || 1 || 0 || 8 || | | | | 128 .2 ſ Absolute maximum........................... 49.4 || 510 || 60-0 | 73°5 77.0 78-0 | 73-3 || 78-2 69.2 56-0 || 54-2 || 51.6 78.2 i -: , minimum .......................... 21.8 || 16.2 19.9 26-0 || 29-8 || 37-0 || 45-8 44.5 40-3 || 32-1 || 33-5 24-2 | 16.2 ; : Mean maximum .............................. 396 || 42.1 430 55.8 62.3 634 644 674 61.5 500 so | 1.1 539 - # minimum ............................] 300 325i 29.6 % ºf H. Tº sº, sº I gº osſ ºf Too! # # , temperature ........................... 34.8 || 37-2 || 36-3 || 46.4 53:1 55.2 57.4 60:1 55-0 || 44.4 44.4 35.9 || 46.6 #: { , daily range ........................... 96 9:8 134 || 18.8 184 || 16.3 || 14-0 || 14-5 12.9 112 || 7-2 || 104 || 13.2 i: Temperature, 9 a.m. ............ : ‘’’ ‘’’’ ‘’’’ 351 || 37.5 37.4 || 48.7 56.5 57-0 || 587 61-8 56.1 451 44.9 || 35.5 47.8 # : ; : of dew point, 9 a.m. ... 34.4 || 33-7 || 32.2 || 37.6 45-7 48-3 || 52.1 || 55-0 || 49-3 || 41.9 43-1 || 34-0 || 42.2 #” Elastic force of vapour..................... 199 || 193 182 225 307 || 465 389 || 433 || 352 266 .278 .196 .290 É Relative humidity ........................... 93 86 80 65 68 72 79 79 80 85 94 94 81 ſ N.................................................... 3 4 3 2 || 1 3 6 3 || 3 1 1 2 || 32 º N.E. ........................ .............. ..... 2 # 12 | 12 9 5 8 1 1 || 10 4. 9 77 # E................................. .................. 2 || 3 || 6 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 2 || 2 | 20 f ă S.E................................................ 4 1 1 " . " () 2 2 0 3 6 4 || 23 3. | s................................. 1 2 2 2-2 4-1-2 3 - 1 6-|-0 |- 31 i S.W. ............................................. 3 7 4. 5 11 11 7 || 14 | 12 9 6 8 || 97 C W. ................................................ 12 3 || 1 5 2 4. 2 7 2 4. 0 || 48 N.W. ............................................ 4. 5 2 || 2 2 4. 1 2 5 || 4 1 6 || 38 - 1892. Jan. Feb. Mar. April. May. June. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. ſ Crowborough ................................. 1-31 | 1.77 | 1.65 | 1.42 | 1.47 2.99 || 2:30 || 4-63 2.82 6.19 || 3:66 - a. Eridge Castle Gardens ............... 0-96 || 2:13 | 1.82 || 1:29 || 1:26 2-95 || 2:08 || 3:45 2.92 || 6-83 || 3:08 ă b. Mayfield Vicarage ...... -------------- 1:29 1:75 || 1:42 || 1:43 || 0:57 2.83 || 2:20 || 4-76 2-81 || 7-41 || 3:14 # c. Forest Lodge, Maresfield ............ 1-11 || 1:77 || 1:49 | 1.36 | 1.36 || 2:22 || 3-19 || 3:36 2.57 5-23 || 3:24 ă d. Uckfield House, Uckfield ............ 1.06 145 || 1:42 || 1:55 0.99 || 1-92 || 2:16 || 3:69 || 2:29 || 5.90 2.78 # e. Bryckden, Waldron ..................... 1-07 || 1:55 || 1:44 || 1:56 0.79 || 2:44 2.70 || 3:42 || 2:44 || 6-49 || 2:81 £d f. Cross-in-Hand, Waldron ............... 1-16 | 1.91 || 1:40 || 1:53 || 0:55 2.92 || 2:49 || 3-54 2.66 || 7-20 || 3:23 U. g. Brighton.................................... 0.92 || 1:24 1-09 || 1:38 || 1:30 | 1.88 1.89 2.78 || 2:01 || 5-63 || 2:76 5 H ſ Crowborough ............... ................. 14 18 || 12 10 7 15 13 14 13 20 #5 - _: 3-i- - |- , , , - P = | a. Eridge Castle Gardens ............... 7 - 14 9 6 5 12 12 13 11 16 13 8 || 126 É ; b. Mayfield Vicarage........................ 11 15 1() 7 6 14 11 17 12 21 15 11 || 150 : É c. Forest Lodge, Maresfield.............. 16 || 23 14 || 10 || 7 | 16 || 14 | 16 || 14 29 27 | 11 200 #3 d. Uckfield House, Uckfield ............ 11 19 11 10 8 16 13 15 12 24 15 14 168 º * f. Cross-in-Hand, Waldron............... 14 19 1() 10 6 13 11 18 13 22 JS 14 | 168 ââ to Brighton.................................... 6 15 || 9 || 6 || 6 || 10 10 | 15 || 12 || 20 | 15 || 11 || 135 a. From the Register kept by Mr. RUST. e. From the Register kept by Dr. GRAHAM. b. , ** -> The Rev. H. T. M. KIRBY. f. , -> -> Dr. BROWN. C. : -> *: Capt. W.M. No BLE, F.R.A.S ſ/. :: *: -> Dr. TREUTLER. d. , -- *: Miss LAURA DAY. - - - - THE STAND FOR THE EXPOSED THERMOMETERS. —4)— JANUARY. —The year commenced with very seasonable weather, the temperature being lower than is usual with such a great preponderance of westerly wind. Sharp frosts were frequent during the first three weeks, but the lowest temperature in the shade was only 21°8 on the 10th, the temperature of radiation falling to 12° 2 on the same morning. Snow showers were frequent on the 6th and 7th, but during the night of the 8th the fall was much heavier and measured about five inches in depth on the level. The yield of water was 42 inch, which was by far the heaviest precipitation during the month. Some rain fell on the night of the 16th, which was followed by frost the next morning, so that trees, shrubs and good radiating surfaces were encased by a thin coating of ice. The last week was much milder with a high barometer and much westerly wind. FEBRUARY.-During the first fortnight of this month the weather was, for the most part, mild and pleasant; but during the third week some rather severe frosts occurred, with frequent snow showers, while that on the evening and night of the 17th attained a depth of about five inches. Although very mild weather prevailed again during the last week, yet the mean temperature of the month was one-and-a-half degrees below the average of 17 years. The barometer fluctuated considerably; the highest reading was 30-506 inches (reduced) on the 13th and 29-277 inches on the 3rd. The rainfall was about a third below the average, although snow or rain fell more or less on 18 days. On the evening of the 5th the very near approach of the planets Jupiter and Venus to each other was observed under very favorable conditions; the sky was quite free from cloud, mist, or haze, and with a low power on my telescope I was enabled to see both planets in the same field of view. Their nearest approach was not visible in the Northern Hemisphere, but in Australia, between seven and eight o'clock, they appeared as one star. MARCH was a very cold month, with a great prevalence of N.E. wind, and the mean temperature was as much as 3°7 below the average. Snow fell frequently on the 1st, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 11th and 27th ; nevertheless the melted snow and rainfall did not equal the average by nearly three-quarters of an inch. The only mild weather occurred from 16th to 21st, both inclusive. On the morning of the 22nd the wind veered suddenly from E. to N.E., accompanied by a great decrease of temperature, the maximum for that day being 17° below that on the 21st. A similar sudden decrease of temperature occurred on the 28th, the maximum for that day was 35°2, while that of the previous day had been as high as 52°4 The only severe gale passed over on the 2nd, but the wind was very boisterous on the 15th and 28th. A remarkable display of cirrus cloud was seen for several hours on the 31st. APRIL.-At the very commencement of this month the weather became very warm and pleasant after the cold winds and low temperature of the previous month. During the first six days the temperature was abnormally high, and the daily maximum had not been so high at this particular date since the year 1848. Very brilliant and almost cloudless weather prevailed during the first eleven days, after which time a very sudden decrease of temperature occurred, with a very Cold N.E. Wind, so that on the 13th the highest temperature was only 39°2, after having been as high as 73°5 in the shade on the 4th. On the night of the 15th a severe N.E. gale came on with almost continuous snowfall for upwards of twelve hours, which attained a depth of about seven inches on the level and to more than two feet in the drifts on exposed situations. A very similar snowstorm occurred in this county on April 19th, 1849, April 24th, 1860, and April 12th, 1879. The amount of cloud for the month, from observations made at 9 a.m., was very small, the early part of the month having been characterised by continued sunshine; the sky indeed was, for the most part, free from cloud on twenty nights, which afforded valuable opportunities for Astronomical Observations. The mean temperature was 1°5 above the average, and the dew point was 11° 1 below that of the air. MAY. —The mean temperature of May was slightly above the average and, upon the whole, was a very fine and pleasant spring month, as rain fell on only four days during the first three weeks; the month, indeed, would have been very dry but for the heavy thunderstorm on the 25th. During the first week, however, the nights were rather cold for the season and slight frosts occurred on the 6th and 7th. Just before sunset on the 10th the upper segment of a bright prismatic solar halo was visible, the diameter of which must have been about 35°. On the 11th a very dense haze prevailed, which, together with tremors, associated with a rather strong N.E. breeze, very much interfered with the definition necessary for the due observation of the Lunar Eclipse. For the first 40m. of the phenomenon the earth’s shadow, as it passed over the moon, obscured almost entirely the more conspicuous forma- tions. Soon after 10h. I noticed the usual coppery color, which by 10h. 30m. had spread over fully half of the moon, and this coppery color was more apparent to the naked eye than with the telescope. At this time all the more important formations were plainly visible. On the morning of the 13th the air was remarkably dry, as at 9 a. m., when the dry bulb was at 63-6, the dew point was 45*1. A severe thunderstorm passed over on the night of the 25th ; the lightning was of bluish color and almost incessant; short but heavy showers of rain and hail fell. The lightning in this storm was of a peculiar character, the flashes being almost incessant and unaccompanied by thunder (except in a very few instances), and passed from cloud to cloud without any earth contact. A second storm of short duration, but with some heavy rain, passed over about 6 a.m. of 26th, which appeared to be much more severe to the westward. The last day of the month was very warm and sultry; a little rain fell, but without any electrical disturbance. JUNE.—The weather during the greater part of this month was ungenial, with rain, more or less, on 16 days, while the total amount was about half-an-inch above the average of the last 22 years at Crowborough. The mean temperature was nearly two degrees below the average, and there were but two summerlike days throughout the month, viz., the 10th and 28th. During the third week the night temperature was very low for the season, and in some districts actual frost occurred to such an extent as to seriously injure several garden produce. After the fine warm day of the 28th, a severe thunderstorm came on in the evening, and very similar in character to that of the - - - - - - - - A - - ------- º / - - - / previous month. It approached from the S.W., and being opposed in its course by an Easterly current, continned / for upwards of two hours. The lightning was almost incessant, with occasional peals of thunder, which was particularly loud and of unusually long continuance. A great decrease of temperature was recorded on the 29th, - º to 17°. Distant thunder was heard on the evening of the 30th, and the air at night was very cold for the 2 time of year. - -- ULY.—This month was unseasonably cold, damp and sunless, with a considerable amount of Easterly wind. Ž The rainfall, however, was below the average, although the amount of cloud was as much as 6-7 (0:10), which was A most unfavorable for the ripening of the cereal crops, and much hay was spoilt by frequent showers. On the 10th and 11th nights the moon looked of a peculiar reddish color through the thick haze which was then prevalent. Very few nights were favorable for astronomical observations. On the 24th a thick fog prevailed till nearly noon. During the evening of the 29th, yery vivid lightning was seen over the Channel, which continued, I think, during the greater part of the night. A slight thunderstorm passed over the Hill in the early morning of the 30th. AUGUST.-This was the warmest month of the year, nevertheless the mean temperature was below the average and the rainfall considerably in excess. The most prevalent winds were from the Westward, accompanied by heavy rains or the 7th, 19th and 27th. The 17th was a very warm and pleasant day and some heavy masses of electric clouds were passing along the Channel during the afternoon and evening. The 18th was also a warm and rather sultry day, and distant thunder was heard to the S.W. between 6 and 7 a.m. During the day some slight showers occurred, with occasional lightning and thunder in this district. On the evening of the 21st the state of the atmosphere was very favorable for astronomical observations. Upon looking at the planet Mars, when near the meridian, the polar caps and continentallings were more distinct than I had seen them during the present opposition. Swift's Comet was also very clearly seen, but Tăid not find it a very interesting object. On the 23rd a thunderstorm passed over with some short but heavy showers; the lightning was very vivid and some flashes were distinctly double, i.e., that the second flash occurred about half a second after the first. The weather was rather finer at the close of º Tºs- ºn º - - <--- - the month. - ºr its tº SEPTEMBER.—The weather of this month was of a variable character-There were a few brilliant days, but, upon the whole, damp and gloomy days were the most prevalent, more particularly during the last week. The mean temperature was below the average, as was also the rainfall; the wind was chiefly from the Westward. The 20th was very warm and sultry, distant thunder was heard in the early morning and a somewhat heavy thunderstorm occurred over the Channel during the forenoon. The 26th was also a warm day, when thunder was hearé the Southward. Vivid lightning was seen to the Eastward during the evening of the 28th, which was followed stormy, showery day here. OCTOBER was a very cold and wet month, although no actual frost was registered in the screen. The mean temperature was as much as four degrees below the average, and the rainfall two inches in excess. A very heavy rain was recorded in this county on the 4th, viz., at Crowborough, 1:45 inch ; Uckfield, 1:54; Wadhurst, 2:17; Bryckden, Waldron, 2:19, and at Cross-in-Hand, 2-65 inches. At Winchelsea also 2.50 inches fell in a short time. This rain storm skirted the east coast as far as Yarmouth. Easterly winds were very prevalent at intervals. The readings of the barometer were lower than at any other period of the year, and the average temperature of the dew point was only 3° below that of the air. - NOVEMBER.—The atmosphere during this month was exceedingly gloomy, mild and rainy, with the lower stratum of cloud frequently resting upon the Hill. There was a remarkable exemption from frost. Nevertheless the readings of the barometer were high for the time of year, and the month passed away without any particular gale. The rainfall was rather more than half-an-inch greater than the average of 22 years at this Observatory. DECEMBER.—The mean temperature was quite two degrees below the average, and from the 1st to the 11th frost occurred more or less on every night. The weather then became milder to the 22nd inclusive, after which a cold period commenced and continued to the close of the month. On the morning of the 21st eleven degrees of frost occurred on the surface of short grass and nearly eight degrees in the screen. The last fortnight was remarkably dry and the winds were chiefly from the Eastward. - C. LEESON PRINCE. | THE OBSERVATORY, CROWBOROUGH HILL, SUSSEX, FEBRUARY 22ND, 1893.