246 A, G. Howard. — The Storms of South Africa. [May 4^ 



then follows the sequence before mentioned and comes upon us eleven 

 days after as a south-west depression. 



I have not continued my observations on sun spots for the reason 

 that it is impossible for one individual to do everything, and I have 

 found no one interested enough to study this question. Moreover, I 

 do not believe all solar disturbances are visible to us, so that to study 

 this question properly comparison should be made with the observa- 

 tions of magnetical disturbances, which are caused by variations in the 

 sun, and to do this is a study in itself, so that did I devote my spare 

 time to this, I would have to do this alone to the detriment of my 

 other observations, and this I do not care to do. 



But if there are any who would like to enter into this investigation,^^ 

 I would suggest the tabulation of magnetical storms, and these I am 

 certain would determine the period of depressions and their nature 

 also. Thus, I have no doubt but that two days after a magnetical » 

 storm, a strong north-west upper current flows over Cape Colony, -. 

 and the barometer banks up to the south, with strong south-east ■ 

 winds. At eleven days after a similar disturbance, a south-west 

 storm of the winter type will come, and so on, regular fixed periods 

 for definite storms. I place the consideration of this question before 

 any one who wishes to further the interests of meteorology. 



There is no doubt that electricity plays an important part in our 

 weather. In fact, time may shew that electricity is the one great 

 and sole agent at work, and the sun the great electromotor, the earth 

 being the accumulator. 



I do not know whether any present have noticed the manner in. 

 which cumulus clouds group, but I have, often. As far as my obser- 

 vations have extended at the Cape, they seem to aggregate ini 

 horizontal banks of a definite width and parallel to each other, the- 

 line of stratification being along the magnetic meridians. I do not 

 bring forward any reason to account for this, but merely give it as an^ 

 authenticated observation, leaving it for the future to decide what the^ 

 meaning may be. 



ADOLPH G. HOWARXr. 

 Cape Town, 



30th March, 1887. 



