28 REPORT—1840. 
Notice accompanying a Series of Meteorological Observations made at 
Trevandrum. By Mr. Cavvecort. 
The author commenced with observing, that having had an oppor- 
tunity in India of forwarding an inquiry which the British Association 
has considered to possess great interest, viz. that into the thermome- 
trical, barometrical, and hygrometrical condition of the atmosphere 
within the tropics, it was with feelings of great pride and pleasure that 
he was enabled, by his present visit to this country, to present to the 
meeting a series of hourly observations of the thermometer, baro- 
meter, and moistened bulb thermometer, carried on under his direc- 
tion and superintendence, at a situation only 83° north of the equator. 
The author then proceeded to describe the circumstances under 
which the observations were instituted in the following terms :—* In 
the beginning of the year 1837 it devolved on me to undertake the 
direction of an observatory then recently established at Trevandrum 
in the south of India, by His Highness the Rajah of Travancore, (a 
young native prince of that country, of whom, for his liberal patronage 
of science, his munificent encouragement of education among his sub- 
jects, and above all for his beneficent rule, it is impossible to speak too 
highly) and noticing among the recommendations promulgated by the 
British Association, that a set of hourly meteorological observations 
within the tropics was considered highly desirable, I thought the 
opportunity a good one for supplying this desideratum. I accordingly 
explained the matter to His Highness, and with the liberal confidence 
which I have always experienced from him, was immediately provided 
with the necessary means for accomplishing my purpose ; I have there- 
fore no other merit to claim (with respect to these observations) than 
that of a diligent perseverance in the task I had imposed on myself.” 
Mr. Caldecott then described minutely the building in which the 
observations were made, the instruments used, and the registers which 
accompany his communication; these observations have been made 
every hour since the commencement of June, 1837, are still in progress, 
and are intended to be extended to a period of five years from their 
commencement. The situation is described to be in latitude 8° 30! 35 
north, longitude 55 8™ east of Greenwich, 170 feet above the level of 
the sea, and distant from it in a direct line about 2 miles. 
Every precaution was taken to ensure accuracy; and of the ob- 
servers (all natives of India), Mr. Caldecott remarks, that “after the 
first difficulty of instructing them is surmounted, their patient, diligent, 
and temperate habits peculiarly fit them for the office here required 
of them, and I have always found those who have been selected for 
the duty fully as trustworthy as, I imagine, is any class of persons to 
whom such observations are usually entrusted.” 
The registers are arranged in monthly tables, and contain, among 
other determinations, the following particulars clearly shown, and ready 
for any investigation to which they may be considered applicable ;_ viz. 
Ist, in “ Temperature.” 
1. The mean of each hour for the month. 
