36 Transactions. 



it as being 3*44 inches below the average. The average at 

 Cargen, according to his observations over a period of more than 

 30 years, is about 43 inches. But only twice in seven years' 

 observations at Dumfries has this total been approached, viz., in 

 1886, when it was 41-13 inches, and in 1891 (a peculiarly wet 

 year), when it was 42 -9 2. The average of the seven years is a 

 fraction less than 37 inches, and this or a little more, say 38 or 

 39 inches, to allow for the more limited period of observation, is 

 probably nearer the annual average for Dumfries than 43 inches. 

 The year, on the whole, was very unfavourable for agricultural 

 work, for while the coldness of the spring and summer months 

 made the harvest late, the heavy rains of August, and the 

 extremely showery weather of September, extending over 21 

 days, and of the early part of October, prevented the crops from 

 being gathered in, in many cases at least, till well on in the 

 latter month, and often only after serious damage had been done 

 to their condition. 



Hygrometer. — The mean reading of the dry bulb thermometer 

 for the year was 44-8 degs., and of the wet 42'5 degs., a difference 

 of 2-3 degs., as compared with 46-3 degs., and 43'9 degs., in 1891. 

 Temperature of the dew point, 40 degs. ; and relative humidity 

 (sat. = 100), 83. Thunderstorms occurred seven times in all — 

 once in May, on the 20th ; four times in June, on the 10th, 17th, 

 19th, and 22nd; once in August, on the 29th; and once in 

 September, on the 3rd ; but none of them were severe, with the 

 exception perhaps of that of the 29th August, when the heaviest 

 rainfall of the year was recorded. 



A solar halo was observed on the 19th February, and lunar 

 halos on several occasions, but not so frequently as in former 

 years. 



The wind observations show as usual a preponderance of 

 westerly winds, the number of days on which it blew from 

 W., S.W., and N.W., being 190i ; and from E., S.E., and N.E., 

 105J ; while from due N. the number was 25|^ ; and from due S. 

 25^ ; and on 18 days it was calm or variable. 



