INTRODUCTORT PAPEB. 29 



ingly. In like manner, with regard to the immediate changes of 

 the weather. During the last Spring, or the early part of May, 

 I observed that the cloud rested upon the north hill, and drifted 

 from the west; upon enquiring what the day was likely to be, I 

 was told, that when such was the case, rain was not expected. 

 However, the afternoon proved showery and cold, but, on the 

 following day, the wind had shifted to the north, and the weather 

 became clear. 



It would be valuable, I think, in a practical as well as scientific 

 point of view, to determine, in different neighbourhoods, the 

 results to be expected from the different states of the Atmosphere 

 at certain periods. 



The last subject which I have to touch upon is, the Ancient 

 History of the Island. And here we have much work to do. 

 We find traces of occupation of the earliest date, passing on 

 through the British period to that of the Roman. In the latter, 

 the origin of the Kimeridge Coal Money requires special atten- 

 tion; and next, the Roman Roads. It is supposed that there 

 was one of these from Dorchester to Wareham, portions of which 

 still exist; but it remains to be determined whether this was 

 Roman or British ; similarly with regard to that from Wood- 

 bury hill to Wareham. But there is one of considerable im- 

 portance, which, proceeding from Salisbury, is apparent in the 

 neighbourhood of Wimbome, at a spot midway between Corfe 

 Mullen School House and the Cogdean Elms, and thence to the 

 west of Upton House, at a short distance from the Poole Jimction, 

 its destination being a spot upon the shores of Poole Harbour, 

 called Lake, from the circimistance of there being a lake in the 

 mud lands, practicable for boats at low water, and consequently 

 giving a greater depth of water at other times ; this is immediately 

 opposite to Gold Point, a landing place on the shore of Ame: 

 but a deeper channel calculated for larger craft, proceeds to 

 Owre, whence, in later times the Marble was exported. What 

 we first require is, to ascertain whether any traces exist of an 

 ancient road upon this side, and its destination. 



I would only remind you, that Dorchester and Wejrmouth were 

 Roman occupations of considerable importance, and suggest the 

 probability that this people coasted along, and located themselves 

 in the bays as far as Chapman's Pool, St. Adhelm's Head forming 



