108 Meteorological Observations for 1793. 



Nazareth, it is believed, is the only place in the state 

 of Pennsylvania, besides the capital, where regular 

 meteorological observations are made; at least, they are 

 not made public. These have this year been more than 

 usually interesting, on account of the malignant and 

 pestilential fevers which have raged in many parts, 

 and proved mortal to thousands. It is well known, 

 that last summer about 4,500 persons died in and 

 near Philadelphia, in a period of time which in former 

 former years, never took off more than 500 persons. 

 Whatever may have been (under God) the immediate 

 cause or causes of this heavy mortality, it is generally 

 believed that the uncommon state of the atmosphere, 

 both before and during that time, contributed much 

 thereto. The following remarks occur on inspection 

 of Mr. Reichel's tables for this year, and on compar- 

 ing them with former ones. 



1. The winter of 1792-3 was a very mild one. 



2. An unusual quantity of rain fell in the spring 

 of 1793. 



3. The rainy weather was followed by intense 

 heats. The mercury in the thermometer was, dur- 

 ing the months of June, July, and August, seldom 

 below 70° ; and for several weeks successively, it 

 was every day above 80° . 



4. The observations on the hygrometer show that 

 the air, during the months of June and July, was often 

 excessively moist, and at no time very dry. 



