THE WINDS OF KIMBERLEY. 
By J. R. Sutton, B.A., Cantab. 
(Plates II-IX.) 
INTRODUCTION. 
Hourly observations of wind direction were commenced at Kenil- 
worth (Kimberley) in February, 1896, and the object of the present 
paper is to attempt a preliminary sketch of the results obtained. 
between that time and the end of February, 1899. It is true that as 
a general rule three years is all too short a period from which final 
conclusions can be drawn as to the true mean values of the principal 
meteorological elements. There are, however, weighty reasons for 
the course here adopted. | 
First, that continuous observations of the winds have not hitherto, 
so far as I know, been attempted at any place on the great South 
African plateau; and indeed few of any importance in the whole 
country. This most unfortunate fact makes it almost imperative that 
a first approximation, at the least, to the position we occupy in the 
general wind-circulation of the globe should be made public as early 
as may be. | 
Secondly, that the vicinity of Kimberley is perhaps the site, par 
excellence, in the whole world upon which land winds can be most 
easily and advantageously studied in their physical relationships. In 
the majority of cases something more than the fitness of the site 
determines the position of a meteorological observatory. Considered, 
quite erroneously of course, as a science of minor importance, meteor- 
ology is as a rule attached in a subordinate capacity to the routine of 
institutions intended primarily for the study of astronomy, and so 
must be conducted in places chosen with reference not to its own 
requirements, but in accordance with those of a study differing abso- 
lutely from itself both in kind and in degree. Thus it comes to pass 
that the nearest approach to meteorological observations of the first 
class yet made in South Africa have been those of the astronomical 
observatories of Cape Town and Durban. The qualifications of the 
