TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION A. 651 



By substituting larger wire as a flying line, and so diminisliing relatively the 

 wind resistance, and by employing kites that exert a greater component of lift, the 

 average height of the flights thus far made during the present year has been 

 increased 1,473 feet and the maximum height 3,350 feet over the corresponding 

 heights in 1899. From January to the end of July, 1900, records were obtained 

 during fifteen flights, the average height attained by the meteorograph being 8,875 

 feet above the adjacent ocean. Twelve of these flights exceeded 3,300 feet, ten 

 exceeded 6,500 feet, six exceeded 9,800 feet, and two exceeded 13,000 feet. In the 

 highest flight on Jidy 21, six kites attached at intervals to four and three-quarter 

 miles of steel wire lifted the meteorograph 15,170 feet above Blue Hill. This 

 height of 15,800 feet above the sea surpasses the greatest altitude at which 

 meteorological observations have been made from a balloon in America.' The 

 records obtained during 1899 have been reduced by my assistant Mr. Clayton ; a 

 continuation of his studies of cyclonic and anticyclonic phenomena by means of 

 kites was published as Bulletin No. 7 of the Observatory, and a summary appeared 

 in ' Nature.' 



4. Charts ilhistrating the Weather of the North Atlantic Ocean in the 

 Winter o/' 1898-99. By Captain Campbell-Hrpworth, Meteorological 

 Office. 



The Meteorological Council, having received a large amount of information 

 from the logs of Atlantic steamships, have investigated the remarkably stormy 

 weather experienced on that ocean in the winter of 1898-99, and charts for sixty 

 consecutive days have been prepared exhibiting the atmospheric conditions over 

 the sea and a great extent of the adjacent continents. The discussion has shown 

 that while severe storms were of common occurrence on the ocean America was 

 suffering an exceptionally cold season, while Europe enjoyed almost unexampled 

 mildness. 



Through the first few days the charts show comparatively undisturbed weather 

 on the frequented ocean routes, but from Christmas onward hardly a day passed 

 without more or less violent gales. The cyclonic depressions passed out to the 

 Atlantic at various points between Florida and Labrador, some crossing quickly to 

 the vicinity of the British Isles, others — and particularly the worst one in February 

 — making very slow progress. Remarks in the logs testify to the tempestuous 

 character of the season by frequent references to fierce, violent gales of hurricane 

 force, mountainous, tremendous, and terrific seas, low temperatures, and blinding 

 squalls of rain, hail, and snow. In the wild weather towards the close of December 

 waves from 45 feet to 52 feet in height were reported, the s.s. Farkman was dis- 

 abled, and other vessels sustained damage. At the beginning of January a 

 hurricane, with terrific squalls, raged on and near the Ray of Biscay, resulting in 

 various shipping casualties. From January 6 to 10 violent gales were continuous 

 and damaged many ships. On the 23rd the s.s. Turanian broke her propeller shaft 

 and sustained other damage during a cyclone with a mountainous cross sea running. 

 The disturbance centred midway across the ocean on the 30th caused much disaster 

 to shipping. In the hurricance, with terrific squalls and dangerous seas, the 

 Cunarder Pavonia was disabled and the s.s. Rossmore sprang a leak. 



The stauiichest ships afloat were unable to withstand the frightful violence of 

 the hurricanes of February, the powerful Cunarder Lucanta and the Hamburg- 

 American Co.'s Fiirst Bismarck being delayed about three days, others a longer 

 time. On February 2 the barometer fell, near the banks of Newfoundland, to 

 27*74 inches, and a rise of ^ inch was registered on the R.M.S. Lucania in two 

 hours. The Hamburg-American Co.'s liner Bulr/aria wns disabled on the 2nd, her 

 rudder being broken. The Pavonia, Bulgaria, and Rossmore were now at the 

 mercy of the elements, the Pavonia's boilers breaking adrift on the 3rd. Eventually 

 the Pavonia and Bulgaria reached the Azores, but the Rossmore had to be aban- 

 doned to her fate. 



' See Science, August 3, 1900. 



