58 REPORT — 1872. 



Assumiug that we have got a close approximation to the actual number of 

 cj'clones, and that the numbers fairly represent cj'clonic energy, it is difficult to 

 avoid the conclusion that the above Tables point to a definite law, and that Mete- 

 orology, Magnetism, and Solar Physics are closely connected ; for v\'hat holds good 

 with regard to a large tract of the Indian Ocean, probably holds good with regard 

 to other portions of the earth's surface. 



Is it not probable, also, that if there is such a connexion as is here suggested 

 between sun-spots or sun-cyclones (as they have sometimes been called) and earth- 

 cyclones, there is a similar connexion between the sun-spots and cyclones in the 

 other planets ? 



The Rainfall of Sussex. By Frederick Ernest Sawyer, of Brighton. 



The county of Sussex is divided by the South Downs into two meteorological 

 districts — the coast district, which has a small rainfall and an equable climate, and 

 the Weald, which has a much greater rainfall and an extreme climate. 



The causes of the increased rainfall in the Weald of Sussex are threefold : first, 

 the Downs, which attract and condense the vapour in the rain-clouds which pass 

 over them, causing it to fall in the Weald as rain ; secondly, the forests, which 

 bjeak the wind and assist in condensing vapour, the cutting-down of the Wealden 

 forests for fuel, when iron was manufactured in the county, having, however, dimi- 

 nished the rainfall in some parts ; and, thirdly, the rivers, the beds of which form 

 a path, up which rain-storms, and particularly thunder-storms, pass from the coast 

 into the Weald, and also by condensation produce " tidal showers." 



The average coast rainfall is about 25 to 26 inclies, whilst that of the Weald is 

 nearly 33 inches. The greatest rainfall in the county is at Lynch, near Midhurst, 

 the arerage there being about 38 or 39 inches. The least rainfall is at Pevensey, 

 where the mean of thirtj' years was 24-07 inches. 



The comparison of the totals of rainfall on both sides of the Downs shows an 

 increase in the totals in the Weald of from 20 to oO per cent., owing to their influ- 

 ence. At Worthing, on the coast, the mean of three years ending 1871 was 

 23-88 inches ; and at Steyning, in the Weald, it was 34-25 inches, or very nearly 

 50 per cent. more. 



The gi-eatest rainfall recorded in the county is 54-20 inches in 1852 at West 

 Dean, tlie least at Pevensey in 1858, 13-11 inches. There does not appear to be 

 much difference in the seasonal distribution of rain in -various parts of the county. 



The low districts round Pulboro', Arundel, Bramber, Ilenfield, and Lewes become 

 inundated after heavj' rains. Such inundations occurred in 1810, 1821, 1828, 1839, 

 and 1847. Severe droughts occurred in 1834, 1847, and 1852. 



There is only one rainfall proverb peculiar to the county : — 



"When Wolsonbury has a cap, 

 Hurstpierpoint will have a drap." 



Wolsonbury Hill is a summit in the Downs, near Clayton ; and when enveloped 

 in clouds, rain may be expected at Hm-stpierpoint. 



AcotTSTlCS. 

 On Musical Beats and Eesiiltant Tones. By RuDoir Konig. 



On the Human Voice as a Musical Instniment. By G. Yandeleur Lee. 



