Observations in meteorology: relating to temperature, the winds, atmospheric pressure, the aqueous phenomena of the atmosphere, weather-changes, etc

Front matter

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Preface

The Author of the present work has been an observer of the weather during a great part of his life. For a period of more than thirty years he kept a meteorological register, first at Bottisham Hall, and afterwards at Swaffham Bulbeck, the parish to which he was appointed in 1823. These two places are both in Cambridgeshire, and distant from each other scarcely half a mile. The observations he made were not at first conducted with sufficient regularity, or with sufficiently good instruments, to render the results of much value. But in the year 1831, desirous that his time and trouble should not be entirely thrown away, he commenced a more accurate system of observing, having previously obtained from Mr. Newman a barometer of the best construction that was to be had in those days, together with thermometers and a DanielPs hygrometer from the same maker. These instruments are further spoken of in the body of this work.

It was the Author’s original intention to have

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carried on this second set of observations for at least twenty years from the date above mentioned, before embodying the results, or attempting any generalizations respecting the weather. At the end of the nineteenth year, however, being called upon to quit that neighbourhood, he was obliged from that time to discontinue the register ; and in the hope of furnishing, if possible, any contributions, however trifling, to the science of Meteorology, which of late years has attracted so much more of the public attention than formerly, as soon as circumstances perifdtted, he commenced putting together the results of his Journal as they appear in the following work. These results relate chiefly to temperature, the winds, the pressure of the atmosphere, and the various phenomena of clouds, dew, rain, snow, &c. It has been particularly endeavoured to trace the connexion between different states of weather, and the shiftings of the various currents in the atmosphere, as indicated by the vane and barometer jointly. He believes that so far as it is possible to judge of the coming weather, and to determine to what degree the weather is to be trusted at any particular time, it can only be done by close attention to these points, and long familiarity with the usual course of phenomena, attendant upon changes from dry to wet, and vice versa. At the same time within what narrow limits any prognostications must necessarily be confined, from our ignorance of the weather prevailing at the same time in other places

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than that in which the observer is situate, as well as from various contingencies which no human foresight can take knowledge of, — the Author has endeavoured to point out in a chapter especially devoted to this part of the subject.

Many of the results, more especially those relating to the winds, and their ordinary course throughout the year, have been compared with similar results given by Howard in his f Climate of London*/ which has been often referred to as a standard in this respect ; his work being perhaps, on the whole, the most complete we have on the climate of that part of England, from which the climate of Cambridgeshire, excepting so far as it is influenced by proximity to the fens, does not materially differ.

There are certain parts of the subject of Meteorology, which, not having been particularly attended to by the Author, are either entirely passed over, or but slightly alluded to in this work. Such are the optical and magnetic phenomena of the atmosphere, and those connected with atmospherical electricity. Some of these phenomena occur but seldom ; others are but imperfectly understood : while from their relation to4 higher departments of science than are studied by most persons, they require less notice in a work intended to serve for general purposes.

It will be understood, therefore, that the present

* The Second Edition is the one referred to in this work, in three vols. 8vo. Lond. 1833.

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work is neither an elementary one, nor a complete treatise on any particular branches of Meteorology. It is simply an attempt to give a general character of the weather and seasons, as noticed in that part of England in which the observations have been made, and to point out the ordinary conditions under which weather-changes seem to take place. At the same time there are added a few observations made elsewhere, as well as much matter calculated to make the work equally useful to persons in other parts of the country, who, from their various out-of-door occupations, are naturally interested in the subject. In drawing up the whole, but especially the portions last alluded to, some assistance has been derived from different authorities, which, however, it is believed, in all cases, have been carefully mentioned.

Those who desire an introductory work, or a complete treatise on this department of science, may consult Thomson* or Kamtzf. Those who wish to have a practical acquaintance with the chief instruments used in making meteorological observations, are referred to a little work by Mr. Drew J, in which they are fully described, with the addition of illustrative engravings, and various useful tables, &c.

It is accordingly hoped, that the work now offered

* Introduction to Meteorology. 8vo. Edinb. and Lond. 1849. t A complete Course of Meteorology. (English translation by Walker.) 8vo. Lond. 1845.

t Practical Meteorology. 12mo. Lond. 1855.

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IX to the public may be of more than local interest. It is very probable, indeed, that some of the generalizations it contains, those especially respecting weather-changes, and the circumstances attending them, may prove erroneous, and based upon insufficient observation. The Author, while he trusts any errors of this kind may be pardoned, begs to express his readiness to be set right where wrong. It has simply been his desire to make such deductions as the observations of a moderately long series of years seemed to warrant, and which must be always liable to correction from the researches of others, particularly when these latter have been carried on for still longer periods.

It may be stated, in conclusion, that Swaffham Bulbeck, where the greater part of the observations mentioned in this work were made, is situate between seven and eight miles E.N.E. of Cambridge, and bordering upon the fenny parts of that county. Its estimated height above the level of the sea is rather more than 20 feet. Its geological position is spoken of in the last chapter, which contains a few general remarks on the climate of the neighbourhood, though not intended to furnish all the elements for determining the climate of Cambridgeshire at large. K

Upper Swainswick, near Bath.

Feb. 18th, 1858.

ERRATUM.

P. 24, 5 lines from the bottom, under the head of August, instead of lb°-3 read Vo°-8.

of Cambridgeshire 358-406

407-415

OBSERVATIONS IN METEOROLOGY.