10 



the same place are not more valuable than one, if judiciously kept. Moreover, the importance of a 

 Meteorological post is scarcely at all enhanced by its proximity to a great centre of population ; yet 

 large towns may have the advantage of furnishing a greater number of competent observers. "What- 

 ever system is adopted, it ought to be arranged with a view to permanence. The value of 

 Meteorological observations is exceedingly impaired by frequent changes of instruments, of stations, 

 or horns of observation. It ought to be calculated that the system which is now introduced should 

 continue unchanged for at least twenty years. Hence it is important to select stations where no 

 interruption of the observations need be anticipated for want of a competent observer. A large 

 town, or a flourishing Uterary institution will furnish the best security against such a contingency ; 

 and Colleges can generally be depended upon more safely than Academies. We think it desirable 

 that the distance of the stations from each other should not exceed fifty miles ; and were we not 

 deterred by the consideration of expense, we might reconunend a less distance. The final selec- 

 tion of the stations will of course be influenced by many considerations iniknown to this com- 

 mittee. We would venture, however, to propose the following list as mdicating our opinion with 

 regard to the number of stations and their geographical position. 



To complete the system, a few other stations are desirable where no Academies are located ; 

 for example, the middle of Long Island ; the southern part of Hamilton County ; the southern 

 part of St. Lawrence Comity ; and the western part of Tioga County. Perhaps at some of these 

 places volmiteer observers might be foimd, according to the system in Pennsylvania. 



//. The Instruments to be employed. 



1. A barometer at each station we consider indispensable to carry out the proposed system. 



2. A standard thermometer. 



