( ni ) 



logical character of the present epidemic season is diiFerent from 

 that of previous periods when cholera prevailed ; but the blue mist 

 has been again visible ; it was first seen by Mr. Glaisher on 30th 

 July, and by other observers in the preceding week. Since that 

 time it has been generally present ; on some days no trace of it 

 visible, and on other days seen for parts of a day only. It has 

 extended from Aberdeen to the Isle of Wight, and was of the same 

 tint of blue everywhere. This mist increased in intensity when 

 viewed through a telescope ; usually no mist can be seen when thus 

 viewed ; it increased in density during the fall of rain, though 

 usually mist rises from rain. Its density did not decrease when the 

 wind was blowing moderately strong ; it decreased when a gale was 

 blowing, but increased again on its subsidence. Whatever may be 

 its nature, the fact is very remarkable, that since the cholera period 

 of 1854 this phenomenon has not been observed till the present 

 time. 



Fourth Quarter (^October, November, .December'). The close of the 

 autumnal quarter was distinguished by much rain and the want of 

 sunshine, and by south-west winds which had long prevailed. In 

 the first week of October the barometer rose, the wind changed to 

 north-east, and the mean temperature for eleven days was 3° above 

 the average. This was followed by a week of cold weather. From 

 19th October to the end of the quarter the temperature was in 

 excess without any considerable interruption, except from 28th 

 November to 2nd December, in which period the weather was cold. 

 October closed with variable weather, sometimes with fog, at 

 others with rain, and occasional white frosts at night. In the 

 beginning of November barometric pressure exhibited great fluctua- 

 tions ; snow fell in Scotland ; and throughout the month the weather 

 was changeable. In December there was frequent rain, and there 

 were very heavy gales from the south-west; but the month was 

 unusually mild for the season. The last two months were favourable 

 for agricultural operations. In November ploughing and sowing 

 made great progress, except in Yorkshire and Lancashire, where 

 about the middle of the month were extensive floods ; and at the 

 end of the year the pastures were of a fresh green, and food for 

 cattle was abundant. 



At Greenwich in each month the mean temperature was above 

 the average. It was 51-3° in October, 44-3° in November, 42-9° in 

 December; the mean of the quarter was 46-2°. Eain fell to the 

 amount of 5'4° inches in the quarter, which is 1*7 inches below the 

 average. 



A 2 



