SESSION 1906-1907. xlv 



relations which such meetings as these create between those who 

 are engaged in the like pursuits and are actuated by the same 

 ambitions there is an element of great value. ' Iron sharpeneth 

 iron ; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.' We 

 who are now admitted to be your associates,* whose highest 

 claim is that our Societies are ' formed for the purpose of 

 encouraging the study of science,' will leave this Conference, 

 I am persuaded, more than ever stimulated to do our utmost to 

 fulfil that purpose." 



Dr. H. E. Mill then introduced the subject of " Local Societies 

 and Meteorology." 



The study of meteorology might, he said, be commended to 

 the attention of those scientific Societies whose scope is wide, on 

 account of the means it affords of advancing science and at the 

 same time obtaining those intellectual advantages to the student 

 which it is one of the objects of scientific Societies to secure. 

 The best advice which could be given to an enthusiast anxious to 

 observe was not to begin until he had good instruments certified 

 as accurate. In a long record the difference between the cost of 

 good and liad instruments was almost nothing compared with 

 the value of the observer's time, for a few shillings spent or 

 saved might make all the difference between results of permanent 

 value or useless or even harmful results. 



There was scope in meteorology for a great diversity of work. 

 At present the most interesting and perhaps the most important 

 definite research was the investigation of the free air at great 

 heights by means of instruments raised by kites. Another 

 research which awaited the student was that of the measurement 

 of moisture in the air, and the revision of the tables by means of 

 which the humidity was calculated from readings of the dry and 

 wet bulb thermometers. 



In the study of local climate co-operation of local Societies 

 might be confidently invited. Every important town should have 

 a properly equipped meteorological station. The climate of a place 

 could only be determined by a long record, and if such a record 

 were under the charge of a Society it should go on continuously, 

 ever growing in value. Anyone wishing to start such a station 

 would find full particulars clearly set forth in Mr. W. 

 Marriott's ' Hints to Meteorological Observers,' published by 

 the authority of the Royal Meteorological Society (Stanford, 

 1.9. 6d.). That Society was always ready to encourage the study 

 of meteorology, and had recently made arrangements to co- 

 operate with local Societies by providing lectures and exhibitions 

 of instruments, full particulars of which might be obtained 

 from the Secretaries at 70, Victoria Street, London, S.W. 



Two elements of climate were mentioned as needing additional 

 study — sunshine and rainfall. The duration of sunshine should 

 be measured by the Campbell- Stokes sunshine-recorder, and the 



* Sir Edward Brabrook represented au Associated Society. 



