40 



REPORT — 1855. 



value for the figure, which may be augmented from time to time by fresh material, 

 but need not be diminished, unless by a reduction of the scale (should the figure 

 much outgrow its square). 



The star-like form of the figures ("Wind-star") is merely a consequence of 

 groupinc/ observations MtiAt^r principal points of the compass. 



It is proposed to compile wind-charts for all known parts of the world, for 

 smaller spaces or squares, and for each month of the year, as soon as sufficient 

 observations can bo collected and employed. 



O71 the Detection and Measurement of Atmospheric Electricity by the Photo- 

 Barograph and Thermograph. By M. J. Johnson, M.A., Radclijfe 

 Observer, Oxford. 

 Photography has already rendered considerable aid to science, and some results 

 brought before the Section by Mr. .Tohnson furnish an example of this. On exa- 

 mining and comparing the registrations of the thermometer and barometer, certain 

 peculiarities present themselves which indicate a curious connexion between the 

 course of these instruments and the state of the weather. The line which indicates 

 the daily curve of temperature is sometimes serrated, sometimes even and con- 

 tinuous ; and these appearances correspond to certain determinate states of the 

 weather ; the serrated outline being confined to fine warm weather, from the end 

 of March to the end of September, and never occurring even then during the night. 

 Among the most remarkable results is a sudden rise of the barometer, amounting 

 to "OSS inch, and an increase of temperature of 1°, coincident with the occurrence 

 of a thunder-clap which struck one of the churches in Oxford, July 14, 1855. A 

 similar phsenomenon took place during a thunder-storm on the 23rd of August, 

 when the rise of the barometer was still greater, amounting to '049 inch ; though 

 the thunder-clap coincident with this latter rise was distant. Mr. Johnson also 

 showed, that, during every occurrence of thunder or hail which had been recorded 

 by his instruments, similar phsenomena presented themselves, sometimes very mi- 

 nute, but quite perceptible. 



Force of the Wind in July and August 1855, as taken by the "Atmospheric 

 Recorder " at the Beeston Observatory. By E. J. Lowe, F.R.A.S. ^c. 



The instruments at the Beeston Observatory have only recently been erected ; yet 

 as the records of the force of the wind show some interesting facts, the following 

 brief summary has been forwarded to the British Association in the belief that the 

 records will prove interesting. 



