3G 



The Rain- Gauge ; the most efficient Form, Size, and Position. 

 Deduced from Experiments with many Gauges, during 

 several years. By Mr James Straton, Aberdeen. Com- 

 municated by the Author. (With a Plate.) 



It will appear paradoxical to many, as it long did to me, 

 but seems nevertheless to be indubitable, that the most effi- 

 cient rain-gauge, the most accurate by far, in testing circum- 

 stances, is the smallest, the simplest, and the least expensive 

 gauge known. 



Three papers have appeared on the subject of rain and the 

 rain-gauge during the last ten years ; (1.) by James Dalma- 

 hoy, Esq. (Philosophical Journal, Edinburgh, vol. xxxiii., 

 pp. 8-10, 1842), shewing that the quantity of rain increases in 

 its progress downwards ; (2.) by Thomas Stevenson, Esq., 

 in the same volume of the Journal (pp. 10-21), on the imper- 

 fections of the gauges in use ; and (3.) by the Rev. John 

 Fleming, D.D. (Philosophical Journal, vol. lxvii., pp. 182-187, 

 1849) on a simple form of rain-gauge. The following is in- 

 tended as supplemental to the preceding papers ; and I wish 

 to be understood as homologating their conclusions, except in 

 so far as more extended experience has pointed out mistakes 

 or suggested improvements. 



The " great flood of '29" attracted special attention to the 

 subject of rain in the north of Scotland. Gauges were soon 

 after planted where they had never been before, and ob- 

 servers kept registers in Aberdeen and other places who had 

 not previously done so ; but so imperfectly were the essen- 

 tials of size, shape, and proper position of the rain gauge 

 understood, that, ten years afterwards, namely, at the close 

 of 1839, there was abundant room for doubt as to whether 

 the clouds had poured 25 inches, 34 inches, or some inter- 

 mediate or other unknown quantity of water, on the granite 

 city during said year. 



Wishing to construct and use some rain-gauges, I found 

 the subject so much involved in mystery and contradiction 

 that the only point quite clear was, there must be much error 

 somewhere, but we know not where. This state of knowledge 



