PROCEEDINGS OF THE COTTESWOLD CLUB 157 



There are now no less than 75 observers in Gloucester- 

 shire whose returns are yearly published in " Symons's 

 British Rainfall," but, in the main, I confine this paper 

 to some of the older and more continuous returns, illus- 

 trative, as far as possible, of the three natural divisions of 

 the County: Hill, Vale, and Forest. 



For all or most of these records I have calculated the 

 means both of the monthly and yearly falls, and have 

 distinguished by a red line all those figures which exceed 

 the average ; thus, I hope, adding to the interest of the 

 information recorded. 



It may be thought that a register of rainfall such as is 

 here printed is, after all, rather a dry statement, but let 

 us see what may be gathered from one, by analysis and 

 comparison. 



I take mv own register, with which I am most familiar. 

 First of all it should be noted that 14 years, which is my 

 total of observation, is obviously too short a record 10 

 give a true average. This is shown by the fact that the 

 first seven years show an average fall of 30'03, and the 

 last seven of only 25"90 : and by a comparison with the fall 

 at Witcombe Waterworks. 



The recognised standard for calculation is, that the 

 amount of rain increases in ordinary hill districts (not 

 mountains) 2)^ per cent, per lOO feet of increased eleva- 

 tion. Witcombe Water Works for 34 years gives an 

 average of 29 '52. 



My gauge is over 400 feet higher, and should, therefore, 

 show 10 per cent, more, or 32'67, but the 14 years only 

 give 28'02. Witcombe, for the same 14 years, gives 

 27'67, thus proving an increase in the higher station. 



One point comes out very strongly, viz., the remarkable 

 correction afforded by a continuous record. The proverb 

 is quite true — "There is no debt so justly paid as that 



