1868 ] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society, 67 



and the barometer of the Durham, (as observed half an hour later,) one 

 of 28*784 reduced. The curve of the Durham barometer and that of M. 

 Lafont's coincide closely throughout, . while that of the observatory 

 ranges much below either up to 8 o'clock, when it rises suddenly to a 

 higher point than either of the above. 



This coincidence of two independent barometers leads the Society 

 to think it probable that the observatory record has been vitiated by 

 some unexplained error ; an idea which is strengthened by the fact 

 that all the barometric observations made in or near Calcutta, that 

 have been published, shew a minimum range much less than that 

 of the cyclone of 1864. 



It cannot be doubted that the rainfall for the height of the 1st and 

 2nd is erroneously reported as 274 inches. No one who experienced the 

 cyclone could reasonably suppose so small a fall, or could doubt that 

 M. Lafont's register of 6*78 inches must be much nearer the truth. The 

 Anemometer is stated to have been blown away before the wind reached 

 its greatest violence, but the register of the rainfall is that indicated 

 by the anemometer gauge. The question cannot fail to present itself 

 to any reflective mind ; — ' Were the indications of the rain gauge in 

 no degree vitiated by the destruction of a large part of the recording 

 instrument ?' 



Finally, I am requested to solicit an investigation into the causes 

 that led to the destruction of the anemometer, an accident greatly 

 to be regretted, as in neither of the two violent cyclones which 

 have visited Calcutta within last four years, has the maximum 

 pressure of the wind been recorded, and a datum of very great 

 importance both in its economic and scientific bearings has been 

 irretrievably lost. The Society trust that if on investigation it be found 

 that the cause of destruction has been due to any oversight in the 

 erection of the instrument, the same may be carefully avoided in 

 refixing it. But if inseparable from the principle of the anemometer 

 employed, that a form may be selected capable ot resisting and 

 recording the pressure, even of a more violent cyclone than that now 

 in question. 



I have &C, 

 (Signed) H. F. Blanford, 



Secy. As. Soc. Bengal. 



