ON THE KEW OBSERVATIONS. 341 
On the Kew Observations. By FRancis RONALDS, Esq. 
Mr. Francis Rona.ps, on presenting the Annual Journal of Electro-meteo- 
rological Observations made at the Kew Observatory, confined himself al- 
most exclusively to an enumeration of its different heads. 
The introductory portion begins with the description of a little variation 
in the cap of the principal conductor, which variation might possibly (he 
said) affect slightly its electrical indications. 
He secondly described (for the possible safety and convenience of future 
observers) a method of raising and lowering the principal conductor. 
Thirdly, the result of his experience as to the best method of maintaining 
the little collecting flame (of Volta) in a fit condition, &c., in strong gales, &c. 
Fourthly. Three registering electrometers, the principle of which consists 
in causing the hand or arm of a clock connected with the principal conductor 
to charge electrometers contained in air-tight vessels, together with chloride 
of calcium, and to leave the electrometers thus charged entirely separated 
from any other body than their supports. 
Fifthly. A pluvio-electrometer, which is a large copper dish properly in- 
sulated on a warmed glass column (as usual) upon the roof, and connected 
with electrometers in the interior of the Observatory. This apparatus has 
exhibited strong signs of positive electrization at moments when the principal 
conductor was charged negatively (the latter much more highly, of course). 
The phenomenon occurred when a storm was imminent, but before any rain 
had fallen, and the result had been expected. 
Sixthly. A simple modification of the Coulomb electrometer, which renders 
this excellent instrument capable of employment in all states of the air (as 
to humidity): in using it, the usual kind of tedious manipulation is in a very 
great degree diminished. The principal alteration consists in placing the vi- 
brating (or moveable) needle in perfect metallic contact with the fixed needle. 
[ There are other improvements. ] 
Seventhly. A few details concerning improvements of his Balance Anemo- 
meter. 
The Journal itself is preceded by some necessary explanations, &c., which 
show that the regular number of observations of many instruments per diem 
has been greatly enlarged since the Ist of January (1845). The registering 
electrometers enable the observer to add the hours of 12, 2 and 4 to the other 
hours of observation, and thus to complete two-hourly observations of atmo- 
spheric electricity for the whole day. 
Under the head of experiments, &c., are detailed a few on the electrical 
insulation, at two different heights, of two conductors, whose upper extre- 
_ mities had the same height above the earth. The object was to obtain a 
few useful data for other ubservers of atmospheric electricity. 
And another on a rather extraordinary case of electrization without insu- 
lation (in the usual sense of the word): it was a case of the St. Elmo fire 
_ probably. 
Provisional Reports and Notices of Progress were read on the following 
Subjects :-— 
Investigation of the Marine Zoology of Britain by means of the Dredge. 
By Prof. E. Forbes. 
On Marine Animals of Cornwall. By C. W. Peach. 
