565 



dually, but that storms from the north or east begin suddenly, and 

 at times with extraordinary force. 



The barometer, with these north-eastern storms, does not give so 

 much warning upon this coast, because it ranges higher than with 

 the wind from the opposite quarter. But though the barometer does 

 not give much indication of a north-eastern gale, the thermometer 

 does, and the now well-known average temperature of every week in 

 the year affords the caution. The temperature being much above or 

 below the mean for the time of year shows whether the wind will be 

 northerly or southerly thanks to Mr. Glaisher's discussion of the 

 Greenwich observations for temperature. 



To revert to a few of the signs which preceded the "Charter Gale." 

 For a few days before that storm came on, the thermometer was ex- 

 ceedingly low over all the country ; there were north winds in some 

 places, and a good deal of snow ; though there had been a great deal 

 of exceedingly dry and hot weather previously. These anomalies 

 require consideration ; and it may be mentioned that everywhere in 

 these islands, for days before that time, from the 22nd to the 25th of 

 October, barometers were very low. Many days preceding the Char- 

 ter storm, an extraordinary clearness in the atmosphere was noticed 

 in the north of Ireland ; the mountains of Scotland were never seen 

 so prominently as they were in the few days preceding those on 

 which the great storm took place. Every one is aware that last sum- 

 mer was remarkable for its warmth. It was exceedingly dry and 

 hot. All over the world, not only in the Arctic, but in the Antarctic 

 regions, in Australia, South America, in the West Indies, Bermudas, 

 and elsewhere, auroras and meteors were unusually prevalent, and they 

 were more remarkable in their features and appearances than had 

 been noticed for many years. There was also an extraordinary dis- 

 turbance of currents along telegraph wires. They were so disturbed 

 at times, that it was evident there were great electric or magnetic 

 storms in the atmosphere, though they could be traced to no appa- 

 rent cause. 



Probably these electric disturbances were connected with a peculiar 

 action of the sun upon our atmosphere. Submarine wires, as well as 

 electrical wires above ground, were unusually disturbed, and these 

 disturbances were followed within two or three days by great com- 

 motions in the atmosphere, or by some remarkable change. 



