SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT ON METEOROLOGY. 143 
occurrence, seems, to say the least, to give some plausibility to 
the latter opinion. 
X. SUGGESTIONS. 
313. In conclusion of this report, I propose to offer a few 
suggestions more definite than I have yet given for the advance- 
ment of meteorological science. I have glanced at various ques- 
tions which require elucidation, and which fall within the scope 
of science in its present state; but amore systematic recapitula- 
tion of some of these will place them more intelligibly before 
the reader. 
314. It has long been matter of regret, that the labour which 
every one knows is spent on meteorological inquiries, should be 
so ill-directed ; but this it is easier to regret than to remedy. It 
is discouraging to be obliged to declare that meteorological ob- 
servations, to be of any value, are not so easy as is commonly 
supposed, and that not only perseverance but intelligence is 
generally speaking necessary to make such observations as are 
useful to science. Many registers, however well kept and or- 
ganized, are redundant; many would be useful were the results 
reduced and corrected ; many may have a local value, though 
they do not greatly advance the general progress of science. 
315. For the sake of precision I will combine what I have to 
say under three heads, (1) On Public Observatories, (2) On 
Private Sedentary Observations, (3) Suggestions to Travellers. 
A. Public Observatories. 
316. It is of little use complaining of the past neglect of me- 
teorological observations in astronomical observatories. Some 
attempt is now being made to combine with them a system of 
meteorological observation, or what is better, to institute mag- 
netical, meteorological, and generally, physical observatories. 
The vast sums of money which have been spent in doing over 
again what has been better done elsewhere in determining as- 
tronomical data, might have almost created new sciences of ob- 
servation. 
317. The meteorological observations at Paris deserve par- 
ticular notice, as having been conducted upon a simple and re- 
gular system, for a considerable series of years. The barometer 
and thermometer (which, I believe, are kept in good order) are 
registered four times a day—at 9 a.m., Noon, 3 P.M., 9 P.M., 
hours evidently selected for the barometic oscillation*. At Brus- 
sels the barometer, thermometer, hair hygrometer, wind, and 
* Published in the Annales de Chimie and Comptes Rendus. 
