162 Remarks on the Quantity of Rain at Different Heights. 



while in twelve storms which occurred with light winds or 

 none at all, the lower gauge afforded 4.75 inches, and the upper, 

 4.05 inches, showing a difference of only 0.07 of an inch. 



With a moist atmosphere preceding seventeen storms, some 

 of them lengthy, the lower gauge afforded 11.73 inches, the 

 upper, 7.97, a difference of 3.76 inches; and with a dry atmo- 

 sphere preceding the storm, thirty-eight storms afforded in the 

 lower gauge 31.37 inches, and the upper, 23.13 inches, showing 

 a difference of 8.24 inches. In the first instance the average 

 difference for each storm was about 0.21 inch ; in the latter, 

 it was 0.22 inch. It would therefore seem that whenever there 

 is much disturbance by winds, &c, there is less ability in the 

 vapor to rise to any considerable height, owing, in part, to the 

 increased weight of the falling fluid ; or else there is a more 

 rapid condensation of the vapor at the surface of the earth, 

 which agrees with the theory of Mr. Russell, that " the vapor 

 rises continually from the earth, and is condensed by the latent 

 heat which it furnishes in its condensation." 



Whether this theory be the true one or not, there is much 

 plausibility in it, and in many cases it is applicable, while in a 

 few it fails to apply, especially in long continued rains. 



A satisfactory theory has yet to be established, and the facts 

 that have been, and are now collecting, will serve to suggest 

 some important rules on this branch of meteorology. 



If proper apparatus could be procured, and carefully watched, 

 and the facts noted by a select number of observers, at proper 

 distances from each other, collected, correct comparisons might 

 be instituted, and data would be furnished for establishing fixed 

 principles to guide the scholar or the lover of nature in his 

 search for truth ; but in this country the state of society and 

 the circumstances of most of those who would engage in the 

 enterprise, debar them from its successful pursuit. It can 

 only be carried out by the aid of government, or the liberality 

 of the wealthy. When either of these is given, then will 



