APPENDIX. 121 



SUGGESTIONS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUOUS 

 METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. 



{Bjead Nov. 5, 1867. J) 



Indications so unmistakably exist ol great changes in the physical condition of the 

 surface of the earth, that it becomes an interesting and not unimportant enquiry, whether 

 the existing physical condition of the countries we inhabit are likely to be permanent, 

 and if not, at what rate, and in what direction change is likely to occur. 



The materials for such an enquiry can be obtained only by a careful registration of 

 continuous observations for a long series of years, and comparison of the mean results. 



There can be little doubt that the habits, feelings and chai-acteristics of the various 

 races of men who differ so \videly from each other, have, to a considerable extent, been 

 produced by the nature of the countries they inhabit ; and that a change of locality, or a 

 change of physical condition, must tend to modify the character of any given race 

 of men. 



That the Arctic lands — now the desolate region of perpetual ice — once enjoyed a 

 climate suited to the growth of forest trees, is no less certain than that the warm, wine- 

 producing districts of Southern Europe, were at one time a rugged waste surface of 

 ice and snow. The period occupied by such great changes can hardly be estimated, but it 

 seems probable that some of them have taken place since the first appearance of man 

 on this earth. 



It seems also probable that the causes of these changes are still in operation, and 

 that variations in t;Jie temperature and physical condition of many parts of the world, 

 are now in progress. 



To watch for the signs of such changes, to discover in what direction they tend, and 

 to attempt to estimate the influence they may exercise on the habits and character of our 

 descendants, cannot but be both an interesting and important subject for consideration. 



It will be easy, for instance, to imagine how serious an effect would be produced by 

 a change of a few degrees in the mean temperature of the winter months in Nova Scotia. 



If the temperature were lowered, the harbour of Halifax would probably be closed, 

 or nearly so, for some months, and the commerce of that city seriously impeded. Most 

 of the smaller harbours would be rendered entirely inaccessible except during the short 

 summer. The commencement of all agricultural operations would be deferred for some 

 weeks, and the autumn season abridged to the same extent. The increased length of 

 winter would enhance the trouble and cost of keeping live stock, and no doubt many 

 species of wild flora and fauna would become extinct. The effect too, which severe 

 frost has on the rocks and surface soil would be so increased and extended as, in the 

 course of a few years, to alter the appearance of the country and modify the relative 

 proportions of land and water. 



If on the other hand, the change were in the other direction, it would bring direct 

 and substantial benefits to all the inhabitants of the country. The harbours would 

 remain permanently open, and all farnsing operations would be facilitated and lessened 

 in cost. It is however probable that increased temperature might, by diminishing the 

 rainfall, and increasing evaporation, so decrease the depth of water in the lakes and the 

 volume of the rivers and streams, as to lead to important changes of the surface of the 

 country, and perhaps ultimatelv to exercise a prejudicial effect on agricultural operations. 



It might even be possible to estimate approximately the amount of pecuniary loss or 

 gain which change of temperature would cause to the country, and to reduce degrees 

 Fahrenheit to an equivalent in dollars ! 



In addition however to these merely theoretical considerations, there are practical 

 advantages of great importance to be obtained from meteorological observationa. 

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