By the Rev. J. Wilkinson. 



65 



doubt attract the vapours generated in warmer regions, condense, 

 and discharge them in rain. But this influence depends much on 

 two circumstances: the height of the mountains themselves and 

 their consequent power of attraction, and their proximity to the 

 Atlantic, that great reservoir of moisture for the whole of Western 

 Europe. The hills about us are insignificant compared with others 

 which lie between them and the sea. Rain usually comes, in these 

 latitudes, from the west and south-west, that is from the ocean. 

 But in that direction lie the Purbeck and Dorset heights, Black- 

 down, Dartmoor (Causand Beacon is 1792 feet), Exmoor (Dunkery 

 Beacon 1668), Quantock 1000, Mendip 1100 (levying all those con- 

 tributions from the Bristol Channel with which we should other- 

 wise be favoured). The highest portions too of the Cotswolds are 

 at a distance, on the northern portion of that range, near the War- 

 wickshire Avon; Cleeve Hill 1134, Broadway Beacon 1086, are 

 45 miles off in a straight line. These circumstances may perhaps 

 account for the popular reputation which this valley has of being 

 dry and healthy. 



A Barometrical record has been kept for the three years ending 

 with 1853. The observations were taken at 8*30 a.m., and, when 

 the weather seemed to require it, the instrument was watched dur- 

 ing the day. I subjoin a table of the readings. 



