XXX Proceedings. 



are made with stems long enough to reach above the level of the 

 ground, the scales being enclosed in a wooden case. There is 

 also an apparatus for determining the amount and sign of atmos- 

 pheric static electricity : this consists of a jet of water acting as 

 collector, which is supplied from an insulated cistern connected 

 by a wire with a quadrant electrometer with photographic 

 recording arrangement. Earth currents of electricity are mea- 

 sured by galvanometers in circuit with insulated lines of wire 

 connected at either end to copper plates buried in the earth. 

 There are two such lines of wire, each several miles in length ; 

 the direction of one being approximately north-east and south- 

 west, of the other south-east and north-west. During the past 

 two or three years the character of the earth current records has 

 undergone a curious alteration. Instead of the normal diurnal 

 oscillations of small extent previously observed, there are move- 

 ments of much greater amplitude at frequent intervals during 

 eighteen hours of the day, beginning about 6 a.m., and ceasing 

 about midnight ; the currents during the remaining hours of the 

 twenty-four retaining their previous character. On Sundays the 

 stronger currents do not begin until midday. On comparison of 

 the times, it is found that these abnormal currents correspond 

 with the passage of trains on the electric railway from London 

 Bridge to Brixton, which does not run within four miles of the 

 Observatory. A small deflection occurring regularly at every 

 hour is found to be caused by the electric time signal given at 

 the Observatory. The effects of these artificial currents are 

 however far surpassed by the strong earth currents which occur 

 from time to time during magnetic storms. 



On April 15th, through the kindness of Mr. CoUyer and Mr. 

 Graburn, a party of members of the Club had the opportunity of 

 opening a barrow at Wepham Down, Burpham, on the Sussex 

 downs, near Arundel. The results of the exploration were given 

 to the Club by Messrs. Lovett and Collyer at the meeting on 

 May 10th (Trans., Art. 112). 



At the evening meetings of the Club a fair number of papers 

 have been read. For three of these we have been indebted to 

 friends outside, the others have been contributed by members of the 

 Club. The attendance of members from various causes has not 

 always been so good as might be wished. The Committee would 

 be glad to see a larger number of members, especially the younger 

 ones, contributing to the proceedings of the Club, — not necessarily 

 long or elaborate papers, but, it might be, short notes on matters 

 coming within their observation which might serve as a text for 

 discussion. The exhibition of objects, with explanatory remarks, 

 adds interest to our evening meetings, and we should be glad if 

 more members would assist in this way. 



