THE METEOROLOGY OF EDINBURGH. 697 



mately the same time. It is not our intention to attempt to demonstrate the general 

 causes concurring in these periodic phenomena, but rather to point out the inter- 

 relations and inter-dependence of the various climatic elements during the passage of 

 the different weather types. As the daily means are computed for various periods, 

 attention can only be drawn to some of the more prominent recurring weather types, 

 which are salient features of the curves. 



January. 



The most pronounced feature of the meteorology of the month is the cold period 

 which culminates on the 9th, this being associated with a tendency to anti-cyclonic con- 

 ditions, viz., relatively high pressure, little sunshine, scanty precipitation and that 

 chiefly in the form of snow. Few gales are experienced, fog being consequently in 

 excess. About the time of greatest cold there is a marked increase in polar winds, 

 the equatorial current blowing with diminished frequency. 



During the second half of the month pressure gives way, falling after one or two 

 slight recoveries to a minimum at the end of the month, with a marked increase in W. 

 and S.W. winds. Gales now rise to their annual maximum, and are accompanied by 

 considerable precipitation, the rainfall being well above the annual mean after the 24th. 

 Temperature shows a rise from a secondary minimum after the 21st. 



February. 



During the first twelve days of [the month pressure is low, temperature also showing 

 a fall from the 5th to the 9th. Gales fall rapidly from the maximum, while the snow- 

 fall also exhibits a diminution. Eainfall is above the mean at the beginning of the 

 month but decreases in quantity until the 7th. During the first half of the month 

 S.W. winds are well above the average. During the second half of February pressure 

 is, on the whole, high, the anti-cyclonic type being well defined, with few gales and 

 slight precipitation. E. winds begin to show an increase after the 18th. A shallow 

 depression prevails during the last three days of the month with an augmented rainfall 

 and lessened sunshine. A fall of temperature occurs from the 23rd to the 27th. 



March. 



The month opens with high pressure and sunny, dry weather, the daily range of 

 temperature showing a distinct increase owing to the increased clearness of the skies. 

 S.W. winds decline, while the N. and N.W. currents gain strength, gales from these 

 quarters being frequent. After the first week a fall in pressure takes place, the 

 minimum occurring on the 11th, after which the barometer rises till the 22nd, when 

 snow showers and gales become infrequent, although a well-defined increase is observ- 

 able in the frequency of hail showers. At the close of the month a rapid rise in 



VOL. XXXVIII. PART III. NO. (20). 5 E 



