16 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. * [Tol. 37 



Improved methods in hygrometry, A. N. Shaw (Proc. and Trans. Roy. Soc. 

 Canada, S. ser., 10 (1916), Sect. III. pp. 85-92, pi. i).— This paper describes 

 " experiments with several hygrometers of simple construction which appar- 

 ently give results of accuracy greater than that given by the Instruments in 

 common use." These included a modification of Ilideal and Hannah's absorp- 

 tion hygrometer (E. S. R., 34, p. 208), a simple weighing hygrometer, and two 

 electrical methods. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods as 

 compared with the limitations of hygrometric methods in general use are dis- 

 cussed. 



Department of meteorology (Nevada Sta. Rpt. 1916, pp. 47-49, fig. 1).— 

 Brief notes are given regarding the work on snow surveying as a means of 

 forecasting water supplies and temperature surveys in the Truckee-Carson 

 Project in western Nevada. It Is stated that " a method for the economical 

 and accurate measurement of snow seems now to have been attained in the 

 method of seasonal percentage, which involves the maintenance of a few fixed 

 courses in typical parts of the watershed as a basis for computing the relation 

 of the annual snow cover to normal." 



[Meteorological summary] (Idaho Sta. Bui. 92 (1916), pp. 6i-65).— Tabular 

 summaries are given of ohservatlons on temperature and precipitation at the 

 station at Moscow and the substations at Aberdeen, Gooding, Jerome, and Sand- 

 point. 



New England snowfall, C. F. Bbooks (Geogr. Rev., S (1917), Ko. S, pp. 

 22Z-2.'fO, figs. 20). — The conditions of temperature, precipitation, and direction 

 of wind, which are the three important factors controlling snowfall, are dis- 

 cussed in some detail. It is stated that as a result of the fact that some of the 

 strongest cyclones pass through the south or southeastern part of New Eng- 

 land. " this section from time to time experiences extraordinary snowstorms, a 

 great characteristic of the climate of New England." 



Meteorology, C. Fi.ammarion (.Ann. Astron. et Mdt. [Parin], 5S (1917), pp. 

 255-2SS). — Observations at Paris and nearby points on temperature since 1699 

 and on rainfall since 1689 are summarized, the observations being brought up 

 to 1916. 



Climatology of 1915, C. Flammakion (Ann. .Astron. ct il^t. [Parit], 5S 

 (1017), pp. 587-412. flga. S). — The conditions of atmospheric pressure, tem- 

 perature of the air and soil, rainfall, cloudiness, etc., with special reference to 

 the region of Juvisy and the environs of Paris, are summarized. A short note 

 on the relation of cannonading to rainfall is Included, the author concluding 

 that observations In connection with the recent military oi^eratlons In Europe 

 Indicate no connection whatever between the t\vo. 



The rainfall of Java, B. C. Waixis (Scot. Gcogr. Mag., S3 (1917), Xo. 3. pp. 

 108-119, figs. 7). — This article reports a study of the distribution of rainfall 

 in Java, with reference to Iwth time and place. 



This study showed that " the mountain axis of Java forces the winds to 

 maintain two distinct surface movements, one to the north and the other to 

 the south of tlie island ; the northern coastal lowlands receive, therefore, a 

 different type of ralnl'all from those of the southern coast. Along the northern 

 coast, out of a total precipitation of about 80 in., during the drie.'^t month only 

 about one thirty-second (i. e., 2.5 in.) of the annual fall is precipitate*!, while 

 during the wettest months at least one-fifth of the precipitation occurs. The 

 ratio of rainfall intensity is thus roughly 1 : 6. The southern lowlands are 

 relatively wet when the northern lowlands are dry, and vice versa. They 

 receive more rain annually, and the ratio of rainfall Intensity Is not greater 

 than 1 : 3. 



I 



