170 REMARKS ON THE PRECEDING PAPER, 



Mr. Tebbutt commences his paper with a remark relating to 

 what is called Saxby's system. I agree with him in thinking, 

 that whatever merit there may be in proving that derangements 

 of the atmosphere are often coincident with certain epochs of the 

 moon, there is nothing yet sufficiently known to authorise any 

 dicta on the subject and to justify predictions of weather in 

 Australia as deduced from it. Nay, many allotted days have 

 indicated nothing of fulfilment. 



Two suggestions occur to me that if there be any truth in 

 the idea that the passage of the moon over the equator is the 

 sole cause of storms and changes of weather, it must have also 

 been so from the beginning of creation, and no such thing 

 as irregular variations could ever have occurred in the state of 

 season ; and that if the moon's influence affect any portions of 

 the earth beneath her attraction, all ought to be equally affected 

 in the same way in succession. 



Now, facts certainly not fully coinciding with the theory, we 

 need not look about for arguments to justify it. Noah Webster has 

 a far greater belief in the lunar influence than Mr. Saxby ; but it 

 may be safe to reject it as the main agent with Sir J. Herschel and 

 M. Arago, who both deny it on convictions derived from a con- 

 sideration" of all the phenomena presented to their enquiry. 

 Nevertheless, I would speak with the highest respect of Mr. Saxby 

 who is not, as some imagine, a mere pretender, but a man of 

 science and well versed in all appliances to illustrate his subject : 

 but he appears to me to have ridden his hobby a little too hard, 

 as at present there is not evidence enough to sanction his 

 conclusions. 



Admiral Fitz Roy who, Mr. Tebbutt thinks, has established 

 a system which we should also initiate in New South Wales 

 appears to me to have deserved the great credit which is assigned 

 to him as a most diligent and indefatigable observer, and a very 

 practical and useful guide in directing others to observe and 

 utilise their observations. But, it is not yet acknowledged that 

 his system is perfect, or altogether to be depended on. I might 

 quote on this head evidence that cannot be refuted. But I would 

 guard these remarks on the conscientious labours of such men as 

 Fitzroy and Saxby, by saying that I have read very carefully 



