44.8 REPORT—1899. 
The Olimatology of Africa.—Highth Report of a Committee consisting 
of Mr. EH. G. Ravenstein (Chairman), Sir Jonn Kirk, Mr. G. J. 
Symons, Dr. H. R. Mit, and Mr. H. N. Dickson, (Secretary). 
(Drawn up by the Chair man.) 
Merroro.ocican returns have reached your Committee, in the course of 
last year, from forty stations in Africa. 
Niger Territories.—One year’s observations from Old Calabar have 
been received from Mr. EK. G. Fenton, the medical officer. We regret that 
no information respecting the interior of the country has become available. 
British Central Africa.—The scientific department, under the zealous 
direction of Mr. J. McClounie, is now in full working order, and full 
reports have been received for two stations of the second order, namely, 
Zomba on the highland, and Fort Johnston on the Lake Level, as also 
reports, more or less complete, from twenty-two other stations. Mr. 
McClounie hopes to be able, in the course of the present year, to equip 
two more stations of the second order, namely, Chinde on the coast, and 
another station on the lake. He has attempted to make two-hourly 
observations on term days, but as the exposure in the morning air resulted 
in fever, he has given up the attempt. 
We have, in addition, received three years’ registers for Lauderdale, 
from our most faithful correspondent, Mr. John W. Moir, as also fifteen 
months’ record from Kambola, a station of the London Missionary Society, 
near the southern extremity of Tanganyika. The observer at the latter 
place is Dr. James F. Mackay. 
British Hast Africa.—Returns from eight Government stations have 
been received. These returns are, of course, most welcome, and they 
speak well for the zeal of Mr, Craufurd and the officers working under him ; 
but considering the practical impertance of meteorological work, it is much 
to be desired that something more should be done. Let us hope that the 
satisfactory working of a ‘Scientific Department’ in the South African 
Protectorate may induce the authorities to organise a similar institution 
for East Africa and Uganda. Asa proof of the high value placed upon 
work of this kind in the neighbouring German Protectorate, we may state 
that a professional meteorologist has been appointed as inspector, and 
that there are now at work twenty-six stations, including two of the first 
and seven of the second order. 
We are likewise in receipt of rainfall observations made by the 
Rev. R. M. Ormerod at Golbanti, on the Tana river. 
The old Scottish Missionary Station at Kibwezi has been abandoned, 
and the missionaries have removed to a new station in Kikuyu, whence 
three months’ observations have already been forwarded. 
Uganda.—The valuable observations on the level of the Victoria 
Nyanza have been resumed since the suppression of the mutiny. 
Mr. C. W. Hobley has forwarded two years’ record of the rainfall at 
Mumia’s, the headquarter station of Kavirondo. 
Our earth thermometer has accompanied Captain Austin during his 
journey to Lake Rudolf, but no record of work done has hitherto “been 
received. 
Your Committee propose that they be reappointed, They do not ask 
for a grant, 
