NOTES ON THE RAIN-FALL FOR 1858. 103 



easterly winds than is generally the case. On and near the 

 coast, the south-east winds bring the most rain ; the infrequency 

 of this wind during the past year agrees with its unusual 

 dryness. 



The following statement of the number of days on which 

 certain winds prevailed, at a few stations, will further elucidate 

 the subject: — 



N. N.E. E. S.E. S. S.W. \V. N.W. 



Se AH AM Harbour... 32 31 17 45 31 96 75 38 



RoTHBURY 3 30 52 22 4 28 165 59 



Belford 4 15 35 45 14 124 66 61 



Dunterley 37 27 55 43 9 8 151 27 



Langleeford 26 20 43 34 33 25 120 64 



Sunderland 5 32 1 78 14 129 35 72 



The extraordinary falls of rain recorded at North Shields will 

 probably excite some attention. The inquiries which have been 

 made have failed to elicit any inaccuracies in the observations or 

 in the gauge employed. Whether any very local cause may affect 

 it, can only be proved by comparison with other returns from 

 the immediate neighbourhood. Mr Spence informs me that a 

 large number of extraordinary falls occurred, the effects of which 

 on the land and streams in the neighbourhood, confirmed the ac- 

 curacy of the quantity measured by the gauge. It will also be 

 observed that, during the first six months of the year, the return 

 coincides pretty well with that from other places on the coast, 

 such as Bishopwearmouth and Howick. 



At the Anniversary Meeting, a small sub-committee was ap- 

 pointed to take such steps as they may think necessary to ensure 

 uniformity and accuracy in the returns furnished to the Club. 



