238 EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OP 



1. The Smithsonian system proper, made up of voluntary observers 

 in different parts of the Unitecl States, who report immediately to the 

 Institution. 



2. The system of observations of the University of the State of New 

 York, re-established under the direction of this Institution, and sup- 

 ported by the State of New York. 



3. The system of observations established under the direction of this 

 Institution, by the State of Massachusetts. 



4. The extended system of observations made at the severalmilitary 

 posts of the United States, under the direction of the Surgeon General 

 of the army. 



5. Separate series of observations by exploring and surveying par- 

 ties, in some cases directed, and in part furnished with instruments, by 

 this Institution. 



6. Meteorological records from British America, consisting of obser- 

 vations made at the various posts of the Hudson's Bay Company, and 

 at the residence of private individuals in Canada. 



In the first three of these classes there are about two hundred ob- 

 servers distributed over the entire continent. In the older States they 

 are very thickly distributed, and they are entirely wanting in none. 

 Texas, Arkansas, the Indian Territory, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota, 

 have each competent and reliable observers reporting directly to the 

 Smithsonian Institution, in addition to those at the military posts which 

 are in the same regions. i 



Further westward, and more widely separated, the observers at the 

 military posts, and those of surveying and exploring parties, continue 

 the connexion of the system to the Pacific coast, where the number of 

 military posts is greater, and private observers are 'again found. 



The New York system embraces twenty-five academies as stations, 

 all furnished with new and reliable instruments at the expense of the 

 State. 



In Massachusetts twelve stations are furnished in like manner, of 

 which eight have reported. , 



In 1852 ninety-seven military posts reported meteorological observa- 

 tions, and for 1853 the number will be greater rather than less. 



The whole number of stations and observers available in making the 

 deductions for 1S52 was three hundred and fifty; and this number, 

 either reporting directly to the Institution or furnishing their observa- 

 tions for its use, may be relied upon for the current year. 



Besides the observations derived from this general system, a large 

 collection has been procured from individuals in different parts of the 

 country, who have kept records of the weather, in some cases for 

 many years. This collection was obtained by issuing a circular from 

 the Institution, requesting copies of any records which might have 

 been kept relative to the climate of this country. The amount of in- 

 formation received in answer to this circular was far greater than was 

 expected, and much more valuable maUer was thus called forth than 

 was previously known to exist. 



In order that the materials procured from the aforementioned sources 

 may be rendered available for scientific or practical purposes, it is 

 necessary that they should be reduced, discussed, and arranged for 



