396 Royal Institution i — 



observers happened to be ready, who recorded ample statical facts 

 and many valuable dynamical results. 



Advancing gradually, the first cautionary or storm-warning signals 

 were made early in 1861, but on that occasion were unhappily dis- 

 regarded in the Tyne ; and on the following days awful losses of life 

 were witnessed on the north-east coasts. From that time to the 

 present similar warnings have been given there and elsewhere — with 

 increasingly advantageous effects, it appears, if one may judge, in 

 the first instance, by applications since sent officially from all the 

 principal ports, and from the chief associations of Underwriters, in 

 addition to Admiralty approval and the cooperation of the Coastguard. 



In August 1861, the first published "forecasts'"' of weather were 

 tried ; and after another half-year had elapsed for gaining experience 

 by varied tentative arrangements, the present system was established. 

 Twenty reports are now received each morning (except Sundays), 

 and ten each afternoon, besides five from the Continent. Double 

 forecasts {two days in advance) are published, with the full Tables 

 (on which they chiefly depend), and are sent to six daily papers, to 

 one weekly, to Lloyds', to the Admiralty, and to the Horse Guards, 

 besides the Board of Trade. 



These forecasts add almost nothing to the pecuniary expense of 

 the system, while their usefulness practically is said to be more 

 and more recognized*. Warnings of storms arise out of them ; and 

 (scarcely enough considered) the satisfaction of knowing that no 

 very bad weather is imminent, may be very great to a person about 

 to cross the sea. Thus their negative evidence may be actually little 

 less valuable than the positive. 



Prophecies or predictions they are not : the term forecast is strictly 

 applicable to such an opinion as is the result of a scientific combina- 

 tion and calculation, liable to be occasionally, though rarely, marred 

 by an unexpected " downrushf'' of southerly wind, or by a rapid 

 electrical action not yet sufficiently indicated to our extremely 

 limited sight and feeling. We shall know more and more by de- 

 grees. At present it is satisfactory to know that the measures 

 practised daily in these proceedings do not depend solely on one in- 

 dividual. They are the results of facts exactly recorded, and deduc- 

 tions from their consideration, for which rules have been given. An 

 assistant has been practised and is able to share their responsibility. 

 Others are also advancing in the subject of dynamical meteorology. 



Air-currents sometimes flow side by side, though in opposite 

 directions, as "parallel streams," for hundreds or even thousands of 

 miles. Sometimes the)'' are more or less superposed, occasionally, 

 indeed frequently, crossing at various angles ; sometimes combining, 

 and by the composition of their forces and qualities causing those 



* At a recent meeting of the shareholders of the Great Western Docks 

 at Stonehouse, Plymouth, it was stated officially that "the deficiency (in 

 revenue) is to be attributed chiefly to the absence of vessels requiring the 

 use of the graving docks for the purpose of repairing the damages occa- 

 sioned by storms and casualties at sea." (Feb. 24, 1862.) 



t Herschel, 



