Proposals for Meteorological Stations. 305 



fragment of Fucus serratus ; Dec. 1 796. When at rest, 

 it assumes very much the form of a common drinking- 

 glass, and is exceedingly conspicuous from its beautiful 



rose tint. 



{To be continued.) 



Art. VI. Proposals for instituting Meteorological Stations in 

 various Parts of Britain, and a cooperative Use of them. By 

 Mr. W. H. White. 



There is, perhaps, no subject connected with the various 

 operations of nature, that affords greater interest to the ad- 

 mirer of natural phenomena, than meteorology. It is, at all 

 periods of the year, a pleasing and, in many instances, a use- 

 ful employment, to notice the different changes of the weather, 

 especially in so variable a climate as this is. Meteorology, 

 both in its ordinary and in its extraordinary manifestations, 

 furnishes abundant materials for the contemplation of the 

 scientific enquirer. 



As there are several correspondents of this Magazine who 

 take considerable interest in the science of meteorology, I beg 

 most respectfully to propose to them, and to others interested 

 in the science, the propriety of adopting some efficient plan 

 to carry into effect a unity of purpose in making observations ; 

 and this, I think, can only be effected by establishing several 

 meteorological stations, both in north and south Britain ; and 

 by each observer using the same kind of instruments, making 

 observations at the same appointed time," and using the same 

 formulae in each journal. The maximum, minimum, and 

 mean results might be brought into conjunction once a month, 

 in the Magazine of Natural History. Such a plan of observ- 

 ation would not only render each meteorological station of 

 greater value, in consequence of its useful association with 

 others, but it would become an object of the highest import- 

 ance to meteorological science. Astronomers have set the 

 example, by planting astronomical stations in all parts of the 

 globe ; and I feel persuaded, if meteorologists would do the 

 same, with respect to the constantly variable climate of Britain 

 alone, taking care to record each observation with philosophic 

 fidelity, the result from such a union of labours would be of 

 the greatest importance to meteorological science ; and, at the 

 same time, be a means of unveiling many of those mysterious 

 phenomena which at present evade scientific research. 



I shall be most happy to take my station in the field ; and, 

 though 1 do not aspire to take the rank of a general, I may be 

 useful as a pioneer. — Old Kent Road, Jan. 14. 1835. 



