NOTES ON THE RAIN-FALL FOR 1859. 235 



propounded a scheme for establishing meteorological stations on 

 the coast of Northumberland, at which not only correct scientific 

 observations might be made, but also the use of the barometer 

 familiarised to sailors and fishermen, and its readings displayed 

 in a commanding position in the villages at which the stations 

 might be situated, by means of a large copy of the barometer 

 scale, with movable pointers. This project having been sub- 

 mitted to the Duke of Northumberland, he liberally offered to 

 defray half the entire cost of thirteen stations, and it is hoped 

 that the remaining sum, about £G0, will be contributed by 

 gentlemen in the Northern Counties. The Meteorological 

 Society undertake to see to the accuracy of the instruments and 

 observations. A great saving of life and property is likely to 

 result from the undertaking, and the observations will be avail- 

 able for our " Transactions." 



I think it is a matter which fairly falls within the province of 

 the Club, and I have therefore endeavoured, as its Secretary, to 

 render any service I could in carrying it out ; and I have re- 

 ferred to it at length here, because the attention paid by the 

 Club to meteorological observations has tended not a little to 

 bring it about. I have adopted, in the annexed tables, a differ- 

 ent arrangement to that of former years ; or rather, I have at- 

 tempted an arrangement of the stations in place of none. By 

 this means I think we obtain a clearer view of the incidence of 

 rain, which, as a general rule, is smallest on the coast, and in- 

 creases as we ascend above the level of the sea. 



The following additional particulars respecting the prevalence 

 of various winds, may also prove interesting : — 



N. N.E. E. S.E. S. S.W. W. N.W. 

 Seaham Harbour ... 23 18 35 30 30 109 95 26 



Rothbury 5 42 57 8 2 28 157 66 



Belford 10 20 26 24 8 95 58 124 



Dunterley 6 39 61 32 9 18 150 49 



Langleeford 45 23 9 46 44 36 130 32 



Sunderland 4 38 6 64 5 141 37 70 



