ON SAVINGS’ BANKS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. 129 
We have already alluded to the molecular movement of the aérial particles 
or the wind as connected with these waves, and an opinion has been expressed 
that it is probable that generally the wind will be found directed towards the 
troughs. It has also been remarked that the great disturbance of the atmo- 
sphere, after the period of comparative repose previous to the 6th of Novem- 
ber, was of a negative character, producing a great depression of the mercu- 
rial column. Now the result of any great increase of temperature at any 
station would be a diminution of the pressure of the gaseous atmosphere (see 
Col. Sabine’s Report on the Meteorology of Toronto, Report, 1844). A cur- 
rent, or rather currents of air, would be produced in consequence; the baro- 
meter would fall, and the wind would be directed towards the line of least 
pressure (minima). This diminution of pressure would not however be con- 
fined to the locality in which the disturbance was produced, or even to those 
lines towards which the wind was directed, or the aérial current moved, it 
would gradually recede from the point of disturbance, giving rise to a wind 
in ifs progress still directed towards the line of least pressure ; the pheno- 
mena presented would be a rapidly falling barometer with an increasing force 
in the wind. This receding movement must be in the nature of a wave ; indeed 
it is difficult to conceive of a disturbance of the aérial ocean being imme- 
diately confined to the locality in which it originated. 
Mr. Scott Russell has determined that a wave of the first order does not 
diffuse itself equally in all directions around the place of disturbance, but 
that there is in one direction an axis along which it maintains the greatest 
height, has the widest range of translation, and travels with the greatest velo- 
city. Sufficient progress has not yet been made in this investigation, nor is 
the area included by the extreme stations of observation extensive enough 
to enable us to form any idea of the real character of these waves; much 
light however will be thrown on them by a careful comparison of the wind 
at each observation ; and it appears essential to bear in mind the distinction 
of Mr. Russell between waves of the first and second order, as any tests that 
_ may be applied having reference only to the characteristics of waves of the 
_ second order must necessarily fail, should these, especially the larger waves, 
be found analogous to waves of the first order. 
Postscript, Nov. 27, 1845.—Section II. of the preceding Report treats of 
_ the recurrence of certain symmetrical atmospheric movements in or near the 
_ month of November. These symmetrical oscillations were observed in 1842, 
_ 1843 and 1844, and great hopes were entertained that during the present au- 
_tumn they would again be observed. These hopes have been fully realized, 
_ the symmetrical wave has returned and has exhibited all its essential features. 
_ The barometric curve on the present occasion more nearly resembles that of 
1842 than those of the years 1843 and 1844; the large oscillation forming the 
"erest isvery distinctly marked. The apex passed London about noon of the 14th. 
_ Observations have been made at nearly thirty stations in the united kingdom. 
4 
5 
“Sketch of the progress and present extent of Savings’ Banks in the 
+ ' United Kingdom. By G. R. Porter, F.R.S. 
7 
_Amone the “signs of the times” which it is most satisfactory to contem- 
plate, because it affords at once evidence of social progress, and furnishes the 
best assurance for its continuance, must be placed the fact, that among the 
lasses of our countrymen who are in circumstances of ease and comfort 
there has of late arisen a great and growing concern for the well-being of the 
less favoured and more numerous class—those whose daily subsistence must be 
1845. K 
