ON THE RAINFALL OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 97 



In explanation of the large number -wliich we have been enabled to erect 

 ont of our small grant, we are bound to state that several have been erected 

 at the expense of private individuals, that we are largely indebted to Mr. 

 Eason of Dublin, who not only gratuitously transmitted all the gauges from 

 London to Dublin, but also subsequently despatched them by various routes 

 to the destinations directed by our Secretary. "We are also indebted to him 

 for 100 copies of a map of Ireland, which has been very useful for working 

 purposes, and generally for much assistance. As to the localities, they will 

 bo best appreciated by reference to the map (Plate III.). In order to pre- 

 vent any dereliction of duty on the part of the observers, wc have instructed 

 them to report monthly ; and we are glad to say that they arc working very 

 satisfactorily. We need hardly state that the organization of this large 

 series of stations involved considerable expense, and occupied much time, as 

 the organization of each station involved several letters. Subsequently all 

 our efforts have been concentrated on the compilation of the revised edition 

 of the list of stations and observations to which we have so often referred. 

 We hoped that it would be completed for the present meeting, and have used 

 every possible exertion to secure that object, so that we might not only show 

 the Association precisely what we have done, but also, if they wish it, ter- 

 minate with partial completeness our labours in connexion with the Associ- 

 ation. Conscious that without accuracy scientific work is useless, we have 

 had every entry extracted in duplicate and every difference rigorously ex- 

 amined ; the result, however, is that we are only able to present in its per- 

 fect form the list for the first six divisions, which include twenty-seven 

 counties. 



The Position returns have all been carefully reduced and analyzed, but the 

 final abstract of them for publication has not yet been prepared. The col- 

 lection of these returns having been suggested by their eminent member Mr. 

 J. F. Bateman, C.E., F.R.S., j'our Committee were desirous to consult him 

 respecting the manner in which they could best be utilized, and instructed 

 their Secretary to do so. Unfortunately, however, his severe illness has pre- 

 vented any stejjs being taken in the matter. 



As, in the opinion of your Committee, it is not desirable that these works 

 should be left in their present incomplete state, they are obliged to ask for 

 reappointment. 



In conclusion, looking back over the past fifteen years, wc find among the 

 work accomplished the following items : — the number of stations raised from 

 241 to nearly 2000 ; the influence of size and shape on the indications of 

 rain-gauges has been experimentally examined, and also the effect of height 

 above ground ; the laws which regulate the seasonal distribution of rainfall 

 have been ascertained ; the secular variation of annual fall has been approxi- 

 mately determined ; a code of rules has been drawn up for observers ; nearly 

 250 stations have been started at the cost of the Association, and 629 stations 

 have been visited and the gauges examined by our Secretary. 

 I AVe have obtained and supported observations on mouutain-tops and other in- 

 accessible places where no observations had been made, in Cumberland, West- 

 moreland, Wales, and Scotland, and also an extensive series in Ireland. 

 When the works actually in hand are completed, we shall also have furnished 

 an index to all observations hitherto made, and a guide to the value to be 

 attached to the returns from at least a thousand observers. 



Your Committee cannot conclude without expressing their hope that, as 

 the system of rain-gauges in Ireland has l)cen established with such remark- 

 able success, the labours of the Committee may be continued. 

 1875. H 



