TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION A. 



339 



below its normal in conjunction with the annual quake frequency curve for 

 Victoria. A study of these clearly demonstrates a remarkable correspondence 

 between them. The annual mean temperature for Victoria is plotted above 

 these curves in order to point out that the years of highest temperature, viz., 

 1900, 1906, and 1910, are the years when curve E is furthest from its normal 

 position. With the exception cf 1899 an agreement is also noticeable between 

 the quake frequency curve and annual mean temperature. 



In conclusion, although changes of temperature, barometric pressure, ocean 

 tidal loading, snow in the mountains, and other local forces yet to be studied, 

 may contribute to form curve E, the writer suggests that a certain proportion 

 of this curve represents the presence of slow earth strains and movements ever 

 active throughout the world, but more pronounced at Victoria which is 

 situated upon the great line of weakness and seismic zone extending from 

 Alaska to Peru and Chile. The study of these earth strains and slow movements 

 may therefore prove not only of scientific interest but of great practical value 

 in determining the probable times when dangerous conditions might be expected 

 in collieries, a further insight into earthquake phenomena, and even the force 

 or forces causing these strains may have an important bearing upon the cyclic 

 climatic changes known to exist throughout the world. 



The author therefore suggests that the Association take steps to continue 

 these researches in other portions of the Empire, in order to check what has 

 been done and to throw more light upon this important subject. 



5. The Solar Cycle, and the Jamaica Rainfall and Earthquake Cycles. 

 By Maxwell Hall, M.A., F.R.A.S. 



In the following table M marks maxima and m minima for sun-spots, the 

 rainfall, and earthquakes in Jamaica. The earthquake statistics are given in 

 the Third Report on Earthquakes in Jamaica which was issued by the' Govern- 

 ment of that Colony in 1907. 



