79 



was a close correspondence betAveon them. The results behig 

 tabulated in two parallel columns, it Avas at once seen that they 

 varied strictly together, the years in which occurred the great- 

 est number of cyclones being also those of the greatest number 

 of sun-spots, and the years of fewest cyclones those of fewest 

 sun-spots. The intensity and violence of the cyclones seemed in 

 like manner to coincide with the intensity of those great fiery 

 outbreaks occasionally observed m the largest spots. There can 

 scarcely indeed be a doubt of the connection that exists between 

 these two classes of phenomena ; and it is remarkable that a 

 long time back an opinion was expressed by the late Sir John 

 Herschel, that those great disturbances on the surface of the 

 sun which lead to the formation of spots were analogous to those 

 great storms on the surface of our own planet to which the name 

 of cyclone has been applied. 



Nor is it siu'prising that, since the publication of Mr. Meldrum's 

 observations, many should have been led to inquire whether 

 there might not be discovered a similar coniaection between 

 sim-spots and other meteorological phenomena besides cyclones. 

 Mr. Meldiiim himself indeed has extended it to the rainfall at 

 the Mauritius, but has hardly at present brought out any results 

 on this head that have met with general acceptance. Nor are 

 his conclusions in agreement Avith those of some other observers, 

 who have carefully examined rainfall registers kept in various 

 parts of the world. We might add that the sun-spot theory 

 has also been applied to solar radiation and temperature, and to 

 hot and cold seasons, as well as to Avet and dry. But here too 

 the CAddence is rather conflicting, and even less satisfactory than 

 that winch connects the rainfall AAdth sun-spots ; Avhich is not to 

 be wondered at, the question being a very complicated one, and 

 several distinct agencies, not thoroughly understood, haAing to be 

 taken into account. In truth, these inquiries, though there is 

 much probability in the theory to Avhich they pomt, call for more 

 extended investigation before Ave are likely to arrive at any 



