PREFACE 



In ancient times Meteorology included all the appearances of 

 the heavens, whether astronomical or atmospheric. But as 

 knowledge increased, these appearances, or phenomena, were 

 gradually referred to either one or the other of the two 

 divisions. 



Astronomy became an exact science that is to say, all 

 the observed motions were found to be subject to strict laws 

 and rigorous computation ; but the laws which regulate the 

 ever-varying atmospheric motions and changes are so highly 

 complicated, that, even at the present time, Meteorology can 

 hardly be termed a science. 



But in an uniform climate like that of Jamaica the 

 diurnal and annual variations are so far regular that obser- 

 vation alone affords highly valuable and practical results ; 

 and it is here proposed to give an account of some of the 

 more important results of observation as detailed in the 

 Jamaica Weather Reports, which were issued monthly between 

 1881 and 1902, and which form Vols. I., 11. , and III. of the 

 Jamaica Meteorological Observations. 



It is also proposed to give a few simple explanations 

 of the changes which are found to occur, with the view of 

 rendering such knowledge as we possess practically useful, 

 and with the hope of aiding future research. 



A few remarks will be made about the instruments 



