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THE DEOUGHT OF 1887. 



The following letter from our member, Mr. H. Soutliall, F.R. Met. S., dated 

 The Graig, Ross, August 9th, 1887, affords us a comparative estimate of the great 

 drought of this year : — 



The period through which we are now passing has no parallel for heat and 

 drought since the year 1868. In that year it lasted 68 days, or from May 29th to 

 August 4th inclusive — this year from .Tune 4th up to the present time, August 

 10th, or so far for 68 days. 



1868.— Rainfall 074 on 5 days. 

 1887.— „ 1-71 on 11 „ 



The total amount is greater, as will be seen, in 1887 ; but this is caused by 

 the heavy thunderstorm of the 15th July, which, with one or two accompanying 

 showers, produced l'16th inch. This was, however, very partial even in this 

 neighbourhood, and did not reach far in any direction. 



At Oxford, for instance, I find that the total rainfall since June 3rd has 

 only been '69. 



It must be remembered that, in addition tf) the summer drought, we had a 

 severe one in the spring as well, and it may be said to have continued, with some 

 intervals, since January 20tb, or for 29 weeks. 



The rainfall at the Graig has been as under :— 



202 8^32 15-13 Total deficiency 6-81 



Thus for the first three months we had only about one-third of the usual 

 fall. May was somewhat in excess, but the total is scarcely more than half the 

 average amount. . 



Rain at Ross — 



January 1st to August 9th, 1887, 10'84 

 „ „ 1886, 23-49 



„ „ 1885, 16-66 



„ „ 1884, 18-19 



„ „ 1883, 20-30 



„ „ 1882, 19-81 



1881, 14-31 

 1880, 19-80 

 1879, 22-36 

 The wettest year since 1859 was 1872—26-50 inch. 

 „ driest „ 1870—9-21 „ 



1864—10.02 „ 



And the following letter in The Times of August ISth from Mr. G. J. 

 Symons, F.E.S., is deserving of being recorded in the Transactions. It is dated 

 from Mr. Prince's Observatory, Crowborough, Sussex, August 17th, 1887 : — 



