14U 



METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR 1869. 

 BY EDWIN J. ISBBLL, Esq. 



In compiling the Meteorological Tables for 1869, we have followed the 

 plan adopted in the arrangement of those for 1868. Thus the Tables are again 

 four in number, ^nz : — 1st. Barometer and Wind ; 2nd. Thermometers ; 3rd. 

 Rainfall in Herefordshire dui'ing the past year ; 4th. Rainfall in Herefordshire 

 from the year 1818 to 1869. 



The observations have been made with the best instruments, and tha 

 tables have been drawn up with care. We trust, therefore, that these records 

 of the meteorology of our neighbourhood, will be found free from errors of 

 any kind, and worthy of a place in the "Transactions" for 1869. 



The range of the barometer (see Table I. ) will be found less than that of 

 1868. The highest 9 o'clock reading (30 -412 corrected but not reduced to sea 

 level) was registered on December 6th., and the lowest (28 '684) on February 1st. 

 The yearly mean of 9 a.m. readings is 29'764. The barometer cistern is 187 feet 

 above sea level, equal, very nearly, to two tenths of an inch on the barometer 

 Bcale. The mean barometer reading in England at sea level is 29 '95. 



The direction of the wind (Table I.) during the past year is given to 

 eight points only. The vane, by means of which observations were made, stands 

 (or rather turns) on the clock tower in the High Town. This vane, made and 

 presented to the city by Mr. Dillon, is quite a model of its kind : a fiat flin 

 works upon a steel point, and the weight of the arrow point is exactly balanced 

 by the weight of the feather. 



The late Mr. Howord strongly recommended this mode of construction, 

 which obviously almost does away with friction, so that the heaviest vane will 

 be made to move by the very lightest breath of air. The clock tower vane is also 

 well exposed to winds for all points of the compass, and the pointers are correctly 

 placed. 



We dwell upon these particulars because vanes are generally home made, 

 and if ill constructed and badly placed, may lead to some serious errors in a 

 very important branch of meteorological observation. 



According to our table the winds were as follows :— N. 21 days ; N.E. 59 ; 

 E. 6 ; S.E. 31 ; S. 33 ; S. W. 99 ; W. 26 ; N.W. 51 ; 39 days uncertain. 



The mean temperature of the paat year (Table 11.) as deduced from the 

 maximum and minimum readings (the Greenwich corrictions applied) is 49'67 ; 

 the average temperature at Greenwich, as determined by Mr. Glaisher, 

 being 49 02. 



