ALLISON — ON METEOROLOGY. 75 



practice, being a calm, aud rising through the regular classifi- 

 cation to 10, which would denote a hurricane. In absence of 

 an anemometer these observations of wind can only be taken as 

 generally correct. The barometer whieh I formerly used, being 

 ■out of order, I was not able last year to observe the pressure of 

 the atmosphere. With this instrument again, I have found these 

 of least complicated construction to prove the best, where you 

 read the pressure from the simple tube. In the clock-faced 

 kind, the hands of the dial are apt to get out of order, through 

 a rusty pivot, or other cause. For the comparisons between 

 Halifax aud Windsor, I have been indebted to the kindness of 

 my good friend Dr. Heusley, who placed at my disposal the 

 result of the observations at King's College, made by himself 

 and brother Professors between 1857 and 1864. From others 

 in different parts of the Province I have derived much valuable 

 information regarding phenomena, at different periods, and 

 especially- as to the opening of blossoms, ripening of fruit, &c., 

 from year to year. But I hope to see the day, when, at least 

 through Nova Scotia, we may have a regular system of weather 

 stations, conducted on one plan; a,nd a head station, where all 

 the reports may be digested, compared, and shaped in monthly 

 review ; aud also to be in constant communication with the other 

 portions of this Dominion aud the States of the neighbouring 

 Republic. The benefits of this system have been so well proved 

 in Great Britain, and the Continent of Europe, that from me no 

 remarks upon its utility is necessary. The advantages gained 

 from forecasts, by commerce and agriculture, have been widely 

 acknowledged, even while, with the data at their disposal, ob- 

 servers stand but at the threshold of a science, which time, 

 accumulating facts in its yearly course, must of itself complete. 

 But I was lately struck by an instance, to me a new one, of their 

 utility. A photographer told me that, altho-ugh his business 

 was not very large, he could probably save from ten to fitteen 

 dollars for every day of the many he was now deceived by 

 threateniug mornings, preventing him from preparing plates for 

 customers ; or by clear mornings inducing him to prepai'e for a 

 good day's business, aud presently the cloud and rain left on his 

 bands his morning's work altogether spoiled. These frequent 



