THE STORMS OF THE WINTER 1865-6. lo5 



At 3 p.m. the wind registered 22 to 25 lbs. per square foot, and the 

 rain became so dense and the drops so large that.the air was darkened by 

 them. At 4 p.m. the wind was still very high and showers of hail and 

 rain continued to fall. The wind had now reached the N.W. From 

 noon to 4 p.m. the mercury in the barometer rose and fell with every gust. 

 All the evening the wind blew with great force, accompanied by rain, hail, 

 and lightning. Soon after 3 p.m. the barometer began to rise rapidly and 



the temperature fell. 



A careful study of these westerly gales during four years has led to 



the following conclusions : — 



1. The violence of the storm is in direct proportion to the sudden- 

 ness and extent of the barometrie depression. 



2. Tlie barometer continues to fall until the storm is near its 

 height and then rises, so that the greatest force of wind may be expected 

 soon after the barometer rises from the lowest point, 



3. The barometer usually rises rapidly when the storm has 

 reached its height. 



4. Wlien the barometer rises very rapidly the storm will very 

 probably be renewed with greater violence before 24 hours have passed. 



5. The wind usually moves to the W. from the S. or S.W. before 

 it reaches its highest force, and soon after goes suddenly to the 

 N.W. as the barometer rises. 



6. No great amount of rain falls before the rise of the barometer. 

 The greatest weight comes after the wind has got to the W and N.W., and 

 is often accompanied by hail and lightning. 



7. The temperature usually rises until the wind is wildest and 

 then begins to fall. 



The following directions will, it is hoped, be found useful in studying 



the westerly gales : — 



1 . If the barometer should fall continuously for a few days, watch 

 it carefully, taking a reading every three hours. If it should then begin to 

 fall rapidly, (say one-tenth inch in one or two hours) observe it every hour. 

 It is of tlie first importance to watch the barometer, 'nasuuich asthetime when 

 it ceases to fall is usually about or a little before the time when the .wind 

 is highest, the rain heaviest, the temperature fiiJls and the wuid moves to 

 the N.W 



