338 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



cle gives a general discussion of the principles upon which atmospheric movements 

 depend, especially the theory of the mechanical principle of atmospheric circulation, 

 and defines "certain systems of pressure, their wind movements and routes." 



Barometer and weather, van Bebber (Arch. Deut. Seewarte, 27 (1904), No. 2, 

 pp. 1-15; abs. in Science, n. ser., 22 (1905), No. 550, p. 54). — The author discusses the 

 use of the barometer in weather forecastings, refers to studies along this line, and 

 traces the relation between barometer readings at Hamburg and the rainfall, temper- 

 ature, and cloudiness for the year, for different seasons, and for individual months 

 during the period 1876-1900. 



A close relation between rainfall and falling barometer is shown. The average 

 yearly temperature departures were negative at the higher pressures and positive at 

 the lower. At low pressures the departures are positive in winter and negative in 

 summer. In general the author concludes that a reasonably accurate judgment of 

 existing and coming weather can be based on barometer readings, especially when 

 the location of cyclonic and anticyclonic centers are shown. 



An experience of 25 years leads the author to the conclusion ' ' that no reorganiza- 

 tion of weather-service work would be of any value if the present forecasts for a 

 single day following are adhered to. These forecasts have not satisfied the agricul- 

 tural interests, and will not satisfy them in the future. Nor will the forecasts be 

 satisfactory unless the general public understands better than at present the basis on 

 which weather predictions rest." 



Investigation of the upper atmosphere by means of kites in cooperation 

 with a committee of the Royal Meteorological Society, 1 >X. X. Shaw et al. 

 (Ept. Brit. Assoc. Adv. Sri., 1904, pp. 17-20). — This is a report of progress in a con- 

 tinuation of the investigations of this committee which have been previously noted 

 (E. S. K., 15, p. 125). The observations here outlined were made in the summer of 

 1903, their object being "to ascertain if the behavior of the kites could be improved 

 by alteration of shape, size, etc., more particularly with regard to uniformity of pull 

 and stability in winds of varying force." 



The general movements of the atmosphere in winter, P. Garkigou-Lagrange 

 (Compt. Rend. Acad. Sci. [Paris'], 141 (1905), Xo. 4, pp. 283-285) .—The author briefly 

 describes the results of an attempt to trace the general atmospheric movement of the 

 entire northern hemisphere, especially during the winter of 1882-83, by superposi- 

 tion of daily barometric charts. 



The use of cannons and bombs as a means of protection against hail, H. 

 Dufour (Chron. Agr. Vaud, 18 (1905), No. 14, pp. 330-334).— The results obtained 

 in the use of this method during 1902, 1903, and 1904 are briefly reviewed, the gen- 

 eral conclusion being reached by the author that while results are not decisive they 

 furnish some encouragement for the continuance of the practice. 



It is pointed out, however, that, apparently, viticulturists have more confidence in 

 the method than scientists, but that meteorologists are at variance in their opinions 

 on the subject, one class denying absolutely the efficiency of the process, another 

 holding that the results claimed are not explicable in the present state of science, and 

 therefore require a long series of observations before final judgment can be rendered. 



The water supply: Bacteriological examination of water from ponds, tanks, 

 and cisterns, L. L. Lewis et al. (Oklahoma Sta. Bui. 66, pp. 26, figs. 4). — This bul- 

 letin reports work which was undertaken in order to obtain data showing the rela- 

 tive number of bacteria in water from ponds, tanks, and cisterns under conditions 

 similar to those existing w T hen the water is in use, special attention being given to 

 the variations in the bacterial content of two small ponds such as are commonly used 

 in Oklahoma as a source of Avater supply for farm animals. 



The results of the bacteriological examinations show that the water from the ponds 

 contained as a rule less bacteria than that of the tanks filled with pond water or from 

 wells. The pond receiving drainage from the barn lots, and to which the cattle had 



