16 The Present State of Meteorology. 



diiferences in matters of detail are so numerous and great 

 that it is likely a considerable time will elapse before the 

 congress can hope to succeed in establishing that uniformity 

 of procedure so necessary in meteorology. Most of the 

 observations are made near the surface of the ground, and 

 even in this part of the subject difference of opinion exists : 

 some prefer 4 feet, others 5 feet, 6 feet, 7 feet, or 10 feet, 

 while many physicists attach great importance to the esta- 

 blishment of observatories at considerable altitudes, either 

 on mountain-tops or by means of captive balloons; and 

 there can be little doubt that observations made at altitudes 

 varying from 2000 feet to 10,000 feet would add very mate- 

 rially to meteorological knowledge. Within the last few 

 years, also, the state of the sun's surface has been regarded 

 by many as being in some way connected with climatic 

 variations, as we know it has upon the magnetic conditions 

 of the earth. 



I must now say a few words concerning what has been 

 and is being done in Australia in this matter. For many 

 years past meteorological observations of a more or less 

 perfect character have been made in the various colonies, 

 and annual means of temperature, rainfall, &c., deduced. 

 Of later years the number of observing stations has been 

 largely increased, with greatly improved instrumental aid ; 

 and many of the questions asked by the public, meteor- 

 ologists have been able to answer ; the chief characteristics 

 of the climate have become known, and some of the laws 

 which govern the movements of many of our atmospheric 

 disturbances have been ascertained. But regarding the 

 great local question of dry and wet seasons, and similar 

 matters of the greatest importance in Australia, we are as 

 ignorant as ever. I have now been intimately connected 

 with Australian meteorology for nearly 25 years, and have 

 gained some experience as to our requirements in that 

 respect, of which I shall have a few words to say presently. 

 At the present moment we have five properly furnished 

 meteorological stations, where observations are made at least 

 three times a day. Four of these are on the coast, three of 

 which are lighthouses. Besides these we get observations 

 once or twice a day made with standard instruments from 

 seven stations, and records of rainfall and state of weather 

 from 23 stations. Most of these are supplied with instru- 

 ments at the cost of the State, while many observers furnish 



