38 THE WINDS AND THE BAROMETER. 



weather system." Of this system we shall have something to say in a 

 future paper. 



Lastly, perhaps the majority of the uuscieutific observers of the 

 weather, in their attempts to divine its future changes, take into considera- 

 tion, not only the moon, the barometer, and the general appearances of the 

 sky, but also the wind prevailing at the time. Now it is to this numerous 

 and observant class that we shall say a few words, in the hope that we 

 may be of service to them. We shall begin by laying down a few rules 

 deduced from long series of the most accurate investigations by eminent 

 meteorologists. It is enough to mention the names of Dove, Herschel, 

 Tuetelet and Tampadius, in this connection. In this way those who 

 interest themselves in the weather can put these rules or laws to the test 

 before we come to their scientific explanation in a future paper. Here 

 then are the laws of the weather as interpreted from the variations of 

 wind and barometer. For distinctness they are thrown into the form of 

 short rules. 



1. Since the Southerly (S., S. W., W) winds are warm, light, and 

 moist and the Northerly (N., N.E., E) dry, cold and dense, the latter 

 appear first in the lower strata of the atmosphere, while the former 

 usually exist in the upper strata some time before they are felt below. 

 Heiice, if the wind shifts from S. to N. through W., the barometer rises 

 and the air becomes colder ; and we may fairly predict heavy snow in 

 winter, sleet in spring, and thimderstorms in summer. A cooler air will 

 follow. 



2. If the wind vary from N. to N.E., we may look for clear weather, 

 dry air and high barometer. In winter intense cold will follow attended 

 by great clearness of the atmosphere. 



3. If the barometer now begins to fall, the wind will get round to 

 the E. ; the deep blue sky becomes dotted and then covered with thin dull- 

 white clouds, indicating the arrival of the warm southerly wind in the 

 region of the clouds. 



4. Should the barometer now fall rapidly, the snow Avill turn to 

 rain, a thaw sets in, and the wind goes fi-om S.E. to S. and S.W. 



Perhaps it will be usefiil at this point to describe the indications of the setting-in 

 of the southerly current after the Polai- wind has prevailed some time. The transition 

 from the dark clear blue sky due to the latter is very gradual, well-marked, and 

 interesting. Fine delicate lines and streaks of white cloud first appear in the lofty 

 regions of the atmosphere, and often assume the most beautifiil forms ; sometimes long 

 filmy lines or columns, then, if a slight puff of wind should agitate them, they present 



