METEOROLOGY OF BEN NEVIS. xix 



A second series was carried on by Mr Wragge during the summer months of 

 1882, these being on a much more extended scale, and arranged on the method 

 proposed by Mr Stevenson in 1875. According to this method, eight stations, 

 extending from Fort- William to the top of Ben Nevis, were established at differ- 

 ent heights on the side of the mountain. Observations were made at these eight 

 stations both on the outward and the homeward journeys ; and simultaneously 

 with these, observations were made with all the instruments at Fort-William, 

 amounting to twenty-one each day, at various intervals from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

 To the ordinary observations were added the temperature of the sea, of 

 streams, the lake, and springs of water passed on the way ; on changes of 

 cloud, the intensity of light, changes of direction or force of wind, and other 

 weather-phenomena. During the summer of 1883 similar observations were 

 carried on by Messrs Whyte and Rankin, who had on previous years acted 

 as assistants to Mr Wragge. 



The observations of these three years have been discussed, and the results 

 published by the Scottish Meteorological Society.* As regards, however, the 

 elaborate observations at the eight stations made in 1882, the discussion has 

 only been a very partial one. Their full importance will only appear in the 

 high place they will take in discussing the deviations from the normals of pres- 

 sure, temperature, humidity, &c, that occur in the lowermost stratum of the 

 atmosphere, 4406 feet thick, thus comprising nearly a sixth part of the mass of 

 the earth's atmosphere. This elaborate system of observations was carried out 

 by Mr Wragge with a skill, energy, resolution, and success worthy of all praise. 



The discussion of these observations brought out results of the greatest 

 interest. The deviations from the provisionally adopted normals of pressure, 

 temperature, and humidity which were noted from time to time were compared 

 with the weather changes which occurred ; and from these comparisons valu- 

 able evidence was obtained of the correctness of the high expectations which 

 had been formed regarding the part to be played by a High-Level Observatory 

 on Ben Nevis, in assisting to frame forecasts of the weather of the British 

 Islands, which can be obtained nowhere but from such an elevated position as 

 the top of Ben Nevis. 



In these circumstances the Scottish Meteorological Society made an appeal, 

 in the early months of 1883, to the public for funds to enable them to build 

 an Observatory on Ben Nevis. The proposal was heartily supported by 

 scientific men both at home and abroad ; and the interest of the public 

 was shown by a prompt response to the appeal for subscriptions. A sum of 

 £4000 was soon collected, and by October the subscriptions exceeded £5000 ; 

 the subscriptions varying in amount from £200 to a halfpenny,, and the sub- 

 scribers representing all ranks, from Her Majesty downwards. 



* Jour. Scot. Met. Soc, Third Series, vol. i. pp. 4-27. 



