93 



FORT GREEXE. 



Stable Manure Conrpost, 267 cubic yards. 



METEOROLOGY. 



The system of Meteorological observations 'which was begun in the 

 month of July, 1868, has been continued throughout the year. These 

 have been made and recorded three times daily. 



The extent and thoroughness of such records depend largely upon 

 the completeness of the system, and character of the instruments used. 

 Our supply has been only partial, and the observations taken were ne- 

 cessarily incomplete, though entirely reliable to the extent .afforded by 

 the instruments. With reference to the Co mmi ssion these records 

 would appear to have little" value, but the constantly growing interest 

 throughout the country, in this popular branch of science, at once sug- 

 gests the importance of the subject. 



Successful agriculture and other industries depend largely upon .the 

 conditions of the atmosphere and temperature. Meteorology alone 

 affords us an intelligent comprehension of these phenomena. Data, 

 compiled from its observations, are regarded by the scientific as among 

 the most valuable contributions to the statistics of the country. Pro- 

 gress in the science is to be mainly anticipated from study at the office 

 established for that purpose at "Washington, of accurate records of ob- 

 servations made simultaneously at a very large number of stations in 

 all parts of the country. 



The situation of the Park, and the character of its organization, 

 make it by far the best station for the purpose in this vicinity. The 

 apparatus at present in use is very simple and incomplete. If the Com- 

 mission should think proper to appropriate five hundred dollars to its 

 enlargement and improvement, the observations which might be taken 

 without any additional current expense, would be of much higher 

 value. 



A faithful and intelligent attention to duty has characterized the 

 services of the several assistants employed in my department. 



Respectfully submitted, 



JOHN T. CULTER, 



Assistant-JEngin eer-in- Ch arge. 



