puksibent's abdeess. 207 



hourly during the whole time, and on term days, 1st and 15th 

 of each month, magnetic observations will be made eveiy five 

 minutes, and always at the same time during the 24 hours. The 

 magnetic observations are intended to make us thoroughly ac- 

 quainted with the phenomena of magnetic perturbations and 

 storms, and their connection with the Aurora Borealis. 



That the result of all these combined efforts will be greatly 

 to advance the knowledge of the various agencies which control 

 the condition of the atmosphere, and possibly to extend our 

 knowledge of electrical and magnetic forces in directions alto- 

 gether unexpected, there can be no doubt. The publication of 

 the results will be looked forward to with intense interest, not 

 only by the world of science but by others also who can scarcely 

 be brought within that category. 



But there is a field of observation open to every one in relation 

 to the weather too little known. It is as to the indications which 

 the higher clouds in their varying forms give us as to atmospheric 

 disturbances which are impending. 



Very recently the Hon. and Eev. F. A. Russell read a paper 

 before the ^Meteorological Society, from which I venture to quote 

 a few passages. "IN^ext to frequent readings of the barometer, 

 and a knowledge of the distribution of atmospheric pressure, 

 cloud observations, especially of cirrus, were of great use in 

 forecasting the state of the weather. Cirrus is generally sup- 

 posed to float at heights varying from 16,000 to 40,000 feet and 

 more. But according to Mr. Grlaisher's balloon observations this 

 height may probably be sometimes more than fifteen miles. 

 Its appearance suggests electrical influence in the determination 

 of form ; it is the only cloud which is not normally rounded in 

 outline, and which is sometimes composed of striae, nearly at 

 light angles to each other. -It is also the only cloud which 

 sometimes appears to radiate from a point near the horizon, thus 

 showing the lines are parallel to each other, and their real length 

 in their apparent direction." 



IS'o one amongst the dwellers on the coasts of Northumberland 

 and Durham will have forgotten the unparalleled gale which 

 swept so suddenly down upon us on October 14, 1881, and which 



