Qimntity of Rain dicn?ig the last Ten Winter's. 239 



Art. VII. A Statement of the Quantity of Rain xvhich has Jallen 

 at High Wycombe, Bucks, during the last Ten Winters, with 

 Remarks. By James G. Tatem, Esq. 



The table beneath shows the quantity of rain which has 

 fallen in this place, in the months November, December, 

 and January, during the last ten winters. It may serve to 

 correct the general impression, that more rain fell during last 

 winter, than had fallen in any winter of several preceding years. 



From this table it appears, that, in the winter embracing 

 1827-28, rain fell to the amount of 11*435 in. ; while, in the 

 winter which is just closed, only 10*925 in. of rain have 

 fallen : giving an excess of upwards of half an inch to the 

 former period. The great difference has been, that rain has 

 fallen more frequently in the last winter (namely, on 63 days) ; 

 while, in that of 1827-28, rain fell only on 55 days: and to 

 this circumstance may be attributed the prevalent opinion. 



That great humidity of atmosphere is constantly attended 

 by a high degree of temperature, is well known to every 

 meteorologist; but the mildness of the last three months, 

 or brumal quarter, was most extraordinary. In the brumal 

 quarter of 1827-28, the mean temperature was 40*10819°, 

 which was very much above the average ; and the extremes 

 were 56° and 15*50°. In the recent one, the extremes were 

 58° and 24° ; and the mean 41*87835° : the extremes occurred 

 in November in both instances. Out of 92 days comprising 

 the quarter lately expired, the wind blew from the westward 

 on 72 days ; but, in the brumal quarter of 1827-28, only on 60. 



It is curious to observe, that the greatest quantity of rain 

 fell when the extreme of cold was experienced in the month 

 of November ; and it is only by the record of observations 

 like these, that the meteorologist can hope to promote a science 

 (of the greatest importance to mankind) as yet in its infancy ; 

 and possessing but few of the charms which captivate and 

 allure the student in other sciences, cheer him in his course, 

 and reward his toils. 



