THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 181 



LECTURES. 



VL— ON METEOROLOGY. 



BY ROBERT RUSSELL, ESQ.,* OF SCOTLAND. 



Fiist Lecture. 



To study the peculiarities of the atmospheric changes in North 

 America, and the effects of the chmate on agriculture, are the princi- 

 pal objects for which I have visited this part of the world. I am much 

 2:ratified to find so large a number of meteoroloo^ical observers scattered 

 over all parts of this vast continent, contributing so materially to the 

 advancement of science. 



Since I have had an opportunity of studying the meteorology of the 

 United States, I have been much impressed with the limited area of the 

 field for investigations within the British islands. It now appears as a 

 mere handbreadth, in comparison to the wide territory over which you 

 are prosecuting your inquiries into the causes of atmospheric disturb- 

 ances. 



Your government has done considerable for the support of meteor- 

 ology. It has accumulated at the National Observatory, under the 

 direction of Lieutenant Maury, an invaluable collection of facts rela- 

 tive to the sea. It has established observations at each of its military 

 posts, and has secured the services of Professor Espy, who has done more 

 lor theoretical meteorology, in my opinion, than any other living man. 



But I must confess that I would have turned my face to the Old 

 World somewhat unsatisfied, if I had not had, through the pohteness 

 of the Secretary, an opportunit}^ to examine the meteorological records 

 collected within the walls of this Insthution, and, through them, to be- 

 come acquainted with the peculiarities of your climate; and to trace out 

 the nature and extent of some of the atmospheric disturbances wdiich 

 had attracted m}^ attention during my tour. 



In this short course of lectures I shall not enter upon those questions 

 which relate to general meteorology, but shall confine myself princi- 

 pally to the analogies which seem to subsist between the action of 

 atmospheric agents in Europe and in North America, and point out a 

 few facts which demand more extended observations for their solution. 



*NoTE. — The author of these lectures came to this country with letters of introduction 

 from Sir David Brewster, Professor Airy, and other distinguislied cultivators of science in 

 Great Britaii . The Smithsonian meteorological records were opened for his investigation, 

 and other facilities extended him for the prosecution of his studies. Without intending to 

 endorse the peculiar views which he may have advanced, we may say that his lectures con- 

 tain facts and suggestions full}' worthy of attention. J. H. 



