[ a8 ] 



and therefore philofophers and meteorologifts naturally afcribc 

 to the querulous difpofition of the farmer the chill fenfations 

 of old age, or the prediledion which every one feels for the chear- 

 ful days of childhood, the adoption of an opinion that feems fo 

 eafily to flow from thefc fources. 



But let it be remembered that the inftruments of atmofpherical 

 obfervations do not extend to al/ the circumftances, which influence 

 the crops of the farmer, or the fenfations of the man. The ther- 

 mometer may mark the general temperature of our climate as 

 unchangeable; and the pluviometer may afcertain its ufual moif- 

 ture ; whilfl: a clouded atmofphere, or a temp^ftuous wind, fhall 

 mar the progreflive maturity of harveft, and fliatter the languid 

 frame of declining age. 



Heat and cold, and rains, are indeed principals in the oeconomy 

 of feafons; but winds, clouds, vapours, and other circumftances 

 rarely regifl;ered, often unperceived, are to be deemed at leaft 

 ancillary in the extenfive fyftem ; and may give plaufibility to 

 popular fenfations and opinions, even without the aid of meteoro- 

 loirical teftimonv. 



It is the purpofe of this paper to offer to the Academy fome 

 obfervations relating to this interefting fubjed ; and to mark a few 

 prominent events in the pheenomena of our climate, which may 

 add credibility to general report. 



Of 



